to overthrow him. The Mir Ataliq came in person to Khulm, and tendered his submission to Afzal Khan, and also drafted a treaty which was advantageous to Dost Mohammad. Rebellion of Hakim Khan of Sheberghan (1855-1856) While Afzal Khan was in Kabul, a rumor grew in the city that Hakim Khan of Sheberghan had gone to Persia to seek the aid of the Shah against the Afghans. Afzal Khan immediately issued orders for Wali Muhammad to occupy the citadel of Sheberghan and a further contingent of Afghan forces was sent to reinforce Aqcha. According to Jonathan Lee, these intrigues provided the excuse for Afzal Khan to annex Sheberghan. Furthermore taking advantage of Hakim Khan's absence, Afghan troops seized the citadel of Sheberghan. Hakim Khan showed obvious anger at this action, possibly showing that he had only went to visit Hukamat Khan of Maimana, rather then seeking Persian aid. When he heard what happened, he went in-person to Afzal Khan in Balkh, complaining that he had been usurped by Wali Muhammad. Afzal Khan informed Hakim Khan Sardar Wali Muhammad had no intention to interfere with the authority of Hakim Khan, but was sent to investigate and suppress any hostile movement and possible formulating rebellions, especially those instigated by the Bukharans. Hakim Khan, however, received no assurances from Afzal Khan that he would be allowed to continue rule over Sheberghan, or that even Afghan forces would withdraw from the city. The garrisoning of Sheberghan sparked another rebellion in the Chahar Wilayat. Following Afzal Khan's refusal to order Wali Muhammad's withdrawal from Sheberghan, Hakim Khan fled to Maimana, where he emerged again in a matter of weeks, having raised an army of 4-5,000 horsemen. Turkman raiders were sent into Sheberghan to attack outer lying villages and settlements and some Afghan tax-collectors were taken prisoner. However, when these cavalrymen tried to attack Sheberghan itself, they were defeated and beaten back. In late January 1856, Hakim Khan moved to Andkhui, which had also joined the rebellion. Following this, Hakim Khan marched on Sheberghan at the head of 7-8,000 men. Wali Muhammad's position in Sheberghan was further reinforced by Abdur Rahman Khan, and believed he was strong enough to face the rebel forces in open battle. Wali Muhammad's forces marched up the Andkhui road and on 2 February 1856, the two armies drew up and met in battle six coss from Sheberghan. A bloody battle ensued