Qutayba leads an expedition in 715 farther north into Central Asia, establishing nominal Arab rule over Farghana (now part of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan).

He is even traditionally credited with reaching the borders of Chinese Turkestan, and apparently he acquires paper from the Chinese, bringing it to Arab civilization.

Qutayba’s campaign against Ferghana is under way when news reaches the army of Caliph Walid's death and the accession of his brother Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik to the throne.

The new Caliph is a bitter enemy of Qutayba, for the latter had argued in favor of excluding him from the succession.

Although Sulayman reconfirms him in his position as governor, Qutayba fears that he will soon be removed.

Finally, after negotiations with the new regime in Damascus fail, Qutayba resolves to rebel.

The Khurasani Arabs refuse to support him, and the native auxiliaries, although favorably disposed towards him, are prevented from declaring their support by Hayyan al-Nabati.

Only his family, his fellow Bahili tribesmen and his bodyguard, the Archers, remain faithful.

The opposition, led by the Tamim tribe, coalesces around their leader Waki ibn Abi Sud al-Tamimi.

Qutayba and other members of his family are killed at Ferghana by Arab soldiers in August 715 (according to al-Tabari) or early 716 (according to Ibn Qutaybah).

Waki ibn Abi Sud succeeds him as governor, and orders the army to return to Merv, where it is disbanded.