An unmarked charter plane touched down at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul at 4.30pm on Sunday with First Vice President Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum on board.

Dostum has been living in exile in Turkey for over a year.

Dostum’s unmarked charter flight landed at Hamid Karzai International Airport at 4.30 pm. Ten minutes later Dostum emerged, surrounded by an entourage that had travelled with him.

Hundreds of people, including high ranking officials, gathered on the tarmac to welcome Dostum home – after he spent 14 months in Turkey.

Among those at the airport were Second Vice President Sarwar Danish, MPs and other officials. 

Roads leading from the airport through the city to Dostum's office were closed to traffic amid tight security around the event. 

Meanwhile a TOLOnews journalist reporting from outside Dostum's office said hundreds of his supporters had gathered there to welcome him home. 

Inside Sedarat Palace, a few hundred guests gathered under a tent for the welcome home ceremony. 

Addressing guests the CEO's second deputy Mohammad Mohaqeq called on the Taliban to denounce violence and accept government's offer of peace. He also announced his support for government's peace initiative. 

Former Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor also addressed the guests and said public pressure on government led to the return of Dostum. 

He also said a grand coalition would announce its existence within a week.