[4][5] In late 2001, Achakzai became a member of Gul Agha Sherzai's forces whom the Taliban had surrendered to after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan.

[16][6] Following his death, the Afghan government began construction of a large mausoleum dedicated to Achakzai; it was walled-off prior to its completion after the resurgence of the Taliban.

[18] Achakzai was alleged to have committed numerous human rights violations including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and torture in the Kandahar province.

[8][24] Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other powerful allies had refused to prosecute Achakzai for many years alleging a lack of credible evidence of crime.

The military stated that they are investigating reports regarding abuse of prisoners by provincial police chiefs as they have received "credible allegations" that detainees are being mistreated while in the custody of Achakzai.

According to the Times, resentment against Achakzai's abuse of power among the local population in Kandahar was so great it helped turn them against the Afghan government and in favor of the Taliban.

[18][6][29][19] American officials have acknowledged in front of the members of U.S. Congress that Achakzai had made millions by collecting major cuts from all the trucks that pass through Spin Boldak crossing.

Jonathan Vance, former commander of NATO-led forces, acknowledged that Achakzai was directly involved in drug smuggling.

[31][32] Matthieu Aikins, in his investigative story in Harper's Magazine, stated that Achakzai made $5–6 million every month through drug smuggling.