bdullah Khan is a security analyst, researcher, and Managing Director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Islamabad. With nearly three decades of professional experience spanning journalism, conflict monitoring, policy research, and institutional leadership, he specialises in terrorism, militant organisations, counterterrorism, violent extremism, and the evolving security dynamics of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the wider region.
He began his professional career in journalism in 1996 and worked with several leading Pakistani newspapers until 2010, covering politics, governance, national security, and regional affairs. His experience in reporting and analysing security developments led him to establish the Conflict Monitoring Center (CMC) in October 2010, an initiative dedicated to systematic monitoring, documentation, and analysis of militancy, terrorism, counterterrorism operations, and armed conflict in Pakistan.
When PICSS was launched by former Secretary General of Foreign Ministry of Pakistan Senator Muhammad Akram Zaki (died in 2017), Abdullah Khan joined the newly established institute, where he has served as Managing Director since its inception. Under his leadership, PICSS has developed into a research institution with a particular emphasis on data-driven conflict monitoring, security assessments, and policy-oriented analysis. He has played a central role in developing the institute’s research programmes, conflict databases, analytical publications, and institutional partnerships.
Abdullah Khan has contributed to national policy discussions and initiatives concerning counterterrorism and countering violent extremism, including work associated with Pakistan’s National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), the national Countering Violent Extremism Policy, and the formulation of a national narrative against extremism and terrorism. His research has also addressed militant recruitment, radicalisation, madrassa reforms, and the implementation of Pakistan’s National Action Plan.
Recognising the importance of youth engagement in building social resilience, he initiated Pakistaniat in 2018, a programme designed to promote national cohesion, inclusive dialogue, and resistance to extremist narratives through engagement with students, young professionals, and educational institutions.
He regularly participates in national and international conferences, policy dialogues, seminars, and television discussions on security and regional affairs. He has also delivered lectures at universities and research institutions, contributing to discussions on Pakistan’s internal security, Afghanistan, militant movements, and regional geopolitical developments.