Alhaj Sayed Mansoor Naderi was born in 1936 into the distinguished religious family of the well-respected Ismailia leader, Sayed Nadir Shah-e-Kayani. From an early age, he was mentored by his father, a notable intellectual, religious leader, poet, and author of 58 religious, scientific, and educational books. Mansoor Naderi was instilled with deep knowledge, insight, and resourcefulness, much like his father. A passionate follower of His Highness Karim Aga Khan, the worldwide leader of the Nizari Ismailia community, he has always served his community diligently and with integrity.

In 1955, he entered military service, completing it in 1957. Known for his political vision and cultural acumen, he emerged as a leading figure in his community. However, in 1967, former oppressive regimes imprisoned him for nearly two years due to perceived threats from his increasing popularity. Later, amid political unrest, he and his three brothers were re-imprisoned for about four years. Despite such hardships, Naderi remained resolute.

In 1981, after a pilgrimage to Mecca, he witnessed mounting opposition against certain armed groups, particularly in Baghlan province. In response, Naderi contributed personally to the community’s defense, including providing his own flock of 3,000 sheep to those affected by these groups. By 1983, he was equipping locals to defend against oppressive forces.

Naderi was also proactive against the narcotics trade. In 1983, he prioritized efforts to counteract drug trafficking and addiction. Establishing a hospital in the valley of Kayan, he was instrumental in rehabilitating around 1,000 drug users.

For the sake of security and peace, he also established a military contingent to protect trade routes. As tensions escalated in Afghanistan, Naderi remained a beacon of stability, especially in Baghlan province. During Dr. Najibullah’s presidency, he focused on countering narcotics and provided medical care for the drug-affected, funding doctors and resources to treat over 3,200 addicts.

In the tumultuous period post-Najibullah, when much of Afghanistan was in chaos, Baghlan remained relatively peaceful under Naderi’s leadership. Education thrived, with about 45,000 teachers and students continuing their studies despite adversity. When the Taliban took Kabul in 1996, former president Borhanudden Rabani sought refuge in Naderi’s region. Gracious as ever, Naderi welcomed him and other displaced individuals.

Naderi’s dedication to his country and people has been unwavering. His refusal to sell a local cement factory to a foreign investor, even for a substantial sum, demonstrated his prioritization of national interests over personal gain. His generosity is further exemplified by the distribution of his lands to the needy.

Despite facing religious prejudice, Naderi worked tirelessly to foster unity and understanding among diverse tribes and religions, uplifting the Ismailia community. By 1996, in recognition of his achievements, he was unanimously appointed as Vice President of Afghanistan. Even after departing the country due to political turmoil in 1998, he returned post-September 11th, supporting the Bonn conference for Afghanistan’s peace process. In 2003, he co-founded the Afghan National Unity Party. In 2005, he was elected as a representative to the people’s house (parliament), cementing his legacy as a trusted and influential leader in Afghanistan.