Karzai secures backing from Kayan in 2009 presidential election

In the 2009 Afghan presidential election, Kayan rallied behind Hamid Karzai, amassing a crowd of over 100,000 men and women in the Valley of Kayan. This massive gathering was orchestrated by their leader, Sayed Mansoor Naderi. Karzai traveled from Kabul to the Kayan Valley aboard U.S. Blackhawk helicopters and made a significant appearance at the rally, which was predominantly attended by the Ismailis of Afghanistan.