In March 1996, Ghafuzai, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Rabbani, is appointed Foreign Minister.

Hekmatyar, cutting a deal with his arch-foes Rabbani and Mas'ud, becomes Prime Minister of the Islamic State of Afghanistan in May 1996.

The Taliban capture the city on September 27 and expel the government and its forces.

Rabbani and Massoud flee to northern Afghanistan; Hekmatyar flees to Iran.