Qutb al-Din's father had served as the malik Shah-i Shahan's representative in Sistan during the latter's absence while campaigning with Timur.
At the head of an army of Sistan, Qutb al-Din marched north, but at Herat he received news of Timur's death from Shah Rukh and turned around.
Shah Rukh, who established himself as the ruler of Khurasan in the aftermath of Timur's death, confirmed Qutb al-Din's position as governor of Sistan.
Fearing that Hasan Jandar would target Sistan next, Qutb al-Din gave refuge to the malik of Farah, Iksandar ibn Inaltigin.
Qutb al-Din, however, was determined to maintain his rule over Sistan, and was able to kill Shah Sultan while the latter was still en route to take over the province.