Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) Chief Gulbadin Hekmatyar would return to public life on Friday (tomorrow), after spending decades in hiding, an official said on Thursday.

Afghan Voice Agency(AVA), Sources in HIA also confirmed to Pajhwok Afghan News that Hekmatyar would attend a function marking the Saur Revolution in Mehtarlam, the provincial capital.

HIA commanders and workers have already arrived in droves in the province to see a glimpse of their leader, whose party signed a landmark peace pact with the government last year.

According to provincial officials, strict security arrangements have been put in place for the tomorrow’s public meeting. Hekmatyar’s personnel security guards have also reached the province.

On April 28, 1978, mujahidin toppled the Russian-backed communist regime of Dr. Najibullah and declared victory. Mujahidin, however, failed to establish a peaceful government and indulged in civil war in quest of power.