no choice but to open peace talks, attempting to salvage his position to remain as Wazir to Shah Shuja. This offer was however, rejected, where his complete abdication and exile was demanded. In Kabul, Dost Mohammad pleaded with the Qizilbash present there to make a last stand at Sayyidabad so they would die with honour, they however, refused to leave Kabul. On 2 August 1839, Dost Mohammad discharged them from their oath of allegiance and set out for Bamiyan, accompanied by Akram Khan, Nawab Jabbar Khan, and other family members. When the British heard of Dost Mohammad leaving Kabul, they attempted to send a force to pursue him, however they made a mistake by sending Hajji Khan Kakar, as he delayed the pursuing force, and by the time the British pursuing force arrived at Bamiyan, Dost Mohammad reached Saighan safely, this forced the British to abandon the pursuit. British Occupation of Kabul (6–7 August 1839) Following Keane's arrival to the outskirts of Kabul 4 days after Dost Mohammad fled, he found that the Kohistan rebellion that was raised had occupied the city, a situation that allowed the rebel leaders to negotiate better and more favorable terms with Shah Shuja. Shah Shuja entered Kabul the following day, mounted on a ceremonial elephant, and wearing robes sparkling in jewels. Shah Shuja’s Administration and relationship with the British (1839-1840) With Shah Shuja returned to the throne, he proceeded to undermine the British position present in Kabul by alienating prominent Sardars and powerful tribes. Shah Shuja made multiple errors by failing to reward and satisfy tose who had helped bring him to power, including Hajji Khan Kakar, which he exiled to India following British accusation that he allowed Dost Mohammad to escape. It was not long after this that conflict rose between Shah Shuja and the British political establishment, with Shah Shuja trying to affirm that the British had no right to intervene in his internal affairs. Despite this, Burnes and Macnaghten did their best to advise the Shah on different policies, securing appointment for pro-British officials, and forcing the Shah to revoke his judicial decisions. Later Burnes continued to drew up plans for reform on revenue, acting on his own civil authority. It did not take long for other Afghans to notice this conflict and divide, as petitioners who were rejected by the King turned to the British, who in turn forced Shah