Abdullah Burki is from the district of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He is a graduate of Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) Lahore with a major in Political Science. By profession, Abdullah is a research scholar and socio-political activist working on Afghan refugee issues, particularly national identity. During his MPhil study at university, Abdullah conducted research on "Identity and Belongingness of Afghan Refugees Living in Pakistan."

Abdullah was also a co-author on an international 5-year project “Disputed Territories and Memory (DisTerrMem)” funded by Horizon 2020, European Commission Research and Innovation. In connection with the project, he attended the fifth annual conference organized by the Memory Studies Association, “Convergences”, Warsaw, Poland (online). There Abdullah presented a paper on "Diasporic Nationalism and Agonistic Possibilities among Afghan Refugees in Pakistan." Abdullah is also a member of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN).

IVLP Impact Award Project: Social Inclusion Self-Sustainability & Media Representation of Pak-Afghan Community (SISSMeR-PAC); A Triangular Approach to Interconnect Refugees with the Host Community and the State 

The project used a triangular model to create social and political bonds between refugee and host communities in Peshawar. Basic education, in the form of vocational trainings, such as beautician training, candle making, tailoring and financial market training, was provided for Afghan and Pakistani women, along with English language classes. A conference and workshops covered topics ranging from “Media Responsibilities: Making and Shaping Public Opinions about Refugees” to “Women Empowerment: Countering Social Taboos.” These discussions helped in mainstreaming the positive image of both communities.

"My goal is to empower the Pak-Afghan community, create spaces for both communities, strengthen collective dialogues, ensure their collaboration and develop leadership qualities." - Abdullah Burki

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Abdullah participated in the IVLP Project Youth and Civic Engagement – Youth Activism (Pakistan and India), organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center in partnership with the International Visitors Council, Inc., International House, Georgia Council for International Visitors and Gulf Coast Diplomacy.

Abdullah's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "Meeting with various organizations in different states of America strengthened my leadership abilities and made me realize that I have to do something for my community."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Pensacola, FL; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Columbus, OH

"[IVLP] was in fact an awakening call to realize and acknowledge issues that are on the horizon and need to be resolved." - Abdullah Burki

Country: Pakistan 

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