Mr Taniwal was a refugee in Melbourne for five years before returning to Afghanistan to take up a diplomatic post.
He went on to serve as a government minister before becoming governor of Paktia province.
His wife and children are still in Melbourne and a close family friend, Imal Mirranay says Mr Taniwal went back to Afghanistan fully aware of the potential risks.
“The southern provinces are very dangerous places, but he said there is no other option because the country has to move towards democracy. If it's going towards democracy, the people have to be educated and it has to be run by a people who understand the true meaning of democracy.”