Hamid Karzai was the President of Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. He is an International Relations and Political Science graduate of the Himachal Pradesh University.

During attempts to oust Soviet army troops during the Soviet-Afghan war, Karzai was an active fundraiser for the guerilla-type military group, the mujahideen. In 1999, Karzai became head of the Popalzai tribe. In December 2001, he was chosen by key politicians in the Afghan State to head the Afghan Interim Administration. In 2002, he was selected as Interim President of Afghanistan. In 2014, he became the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Five years later in 2009, Hamid won another term in office, serving as President until the end of his tenure in September 2014.

He has received several honorary degrees and awards which include a honorary degree in literature from Himachal Pradesh University, his alma mater, an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth, honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Boston University, and several others.