[8] Following the collapse of the Durrani Empire, many states arose from its decline, including prominently in Afghan Turkestan, the Kunduz Khanate, with its ruler, Murad Beg.

Dost Mohammad began fearing that Murad Beg was growing too powerful and that his position threatened Bamiyan, a strategic city on the pathway from Kabul to Balkh.

As a result, Dost Mohammad sent his son, Akram Khan and Josiah Harlan, an American adventurer on campaign to weaken Murad Beg and his regime.

[9] Thus with the intent of campaigning in Afghan Turkestan, Dost Mohammad dispatched Akram Khan and Josiah Harlan in September 1838.

Afghan control over their recent conquests were lost as a result of the war, and Dost Mohammad would not re-enter the region until 1843, in the Hazarajat Campaign of 1843.