Mohammed Rafie

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General Mohammed Rafie, was a member of the Politburo and Deputy Prime Minister (former Defence Minister). He served as Minister of Defense during the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.

He was born in 1946 in Paghman, Kabul. He belonged to the Kharotai clan of the Ghilzai tribe. He completed his education in the Military Academy of Afghanistan. In 1973, he joined the PDPA.

He belonged to the Parcham faction. He became Minister of Public Works after the Communists took over in April, 1978.

However, after two months he was removed from his post with the rest of the members of the Parcham faction. On August 21, The PDPA Politburo orders the arrest of Planning Minister Sultan Ali Keshtmand (Parcham) and Public Works Minister Muhammad Rafi’i for their part in a conspiracy to assassinate President Nur Mohammad Taraki.

He was imprisoned during the Khalqi Government (1978-1979). One of the first steps that has captured the attention of Afghan society was the release of a large number of political prisoners, which include prominent political and military activists.

Together with Babrak Karmal, he announced that has permanently returned and that he will assume his responsibilities in the party and government. He returned to Afghanistan on August 19, 1983. He was away from Kabul for over two years for "higher education", in Moscow

General Rafie is expected to introduce an element of firmness in handling both party and governmental affairs in both ideological and disciplinary terms. Reports are that his responsibilities will cover both defence and internal law and order.

Rafi held the post of Ministry of Defense in Karmal’s cabinet, 1980-82. He held the same post from 1986 to 1988, until it was replaced by Gral. Shahnawaz Tanai.

In the government of Mohammad Najibullah, Rafi’s served as the Vice President. After the collapse and downfall of Najibullah, Rafi's joined Hekmatyar, but soon after left the country for abroad.

Preceded by Hafizullah Amin	Minister of Defense January 1978 – 1982	Succeeded by Abdul Qadir Dagarwal
Preceded by Abdul Qadir Dagarwal	Minister of Defense December 1986 – 1988	Succeeded by Shahnawaz Tanai