The party was formed in an attempt by Daoud to garner support and grassroots backing for his republican regime. Daoud also intended the party to undermine support in Afghanistan for the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, who had actually helped him come to power in 1973. To this end, the party sought to be an umbrella organization for all of the factions of the progressive movement in Afghanistan. In order to help the party in its attempt to garner support, all other political parties were banned.[1] Despite the party being anti-communist, Daoud Khan demanded that members of the PDPA join the National Revolutionary Party and called for the dissolution of the Khalq and Parcham factions.[2]
The party was run by a central committee which comprised Major General Ghulam Haidar Rasuli, Defense Minister Sayyid Abd Ullah, Finance Minister Abd Ul Majid, and Professor Abd Ul Quyyum.[1]