Bilal was born during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan to a political family. His great grandfather was the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Interior and signed the freedom agreement with the UK when Afghanistan won its independence.  

After graduating high school in Kabul, he was selected to the police academy and received the highest score amongst the cadets. His career advanced quickly, and he became the head of the Criminal Investigation Department of PD13, leading the protection of three million Afghans. He made several arrests for corruption, including senior figures. He led the rescue missions of his colleagues at EU Police mission in Afghanistan twice while actively under attack, for which he received the EU Security and Defense Medal and provided security to the diplomatic zone of Kabul for which he received the British Empire Medal (BEM). He was nominated for the BEM by Sir Simon McDonald, Head of the Diplomatic Service, and awarded the medal by Queen Elizabeth. Later he became the senior political adviser for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office of the UK in Kabul. Bilal played a key role in the creation and expansion of Kabul’s Green Zone (Diplomatic Zone), transforming it into an enhanced security area. He was instrumental in establishing security checkpoints and adding surveillance cameras following the bombing of Kabul. The Chief of Police from New York City visited Kabul to learn from Bilal’s security practices. He also personally warned the British and American governments about the imminent fall of Kabul. Later, Bilal served as a security adviser for the U.S. Embassy in Kabul within the Department of State until the fall of Kabul.

During the Afghan crisis in 2021, Bilal and his family were lifted to isolate in Manchester due to the pandemic. Then they were sent to Port Glasgow, Scotland, where Shortly after, he aided the rescue of 600 of his former colleagues and their families and assisted with their resettlement in Europe. Though he had just resettled, immediately Bilal worked to improve the lives of fellow Afghan refugees. At the time, only 15 Afghan families lived in Scotland. Bilal led Afghan Information Services at the Scottish Refugee Council and was elected as a community councillor for Inverclyde Council in Scotland. In this role, he paved the way for social integration and worked to mitigate the ongoing hate crimes Afghan refugees were experiencing. He collaborated with local communities, parliament, refugee-led organizations, and the chief of police to create and develop constituted community groups for refugees across Scotland. Under his leadership of all 32 Scottish councils (counties), the Afghan population in Scotland grew from 15 families to a community of over 5000 immigrants. He gave a speech to the Scottish parliament about his previous work and experiences in Scotland, advocating for the celebration of diversity. 

In late 2023, Bilal was invited by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom to attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace in London. The event recognized his contributions and achievements in addressing global humanitarian crises and emergencies.  

After three years in Scotland, he moved to Virigina to join 35 of his family members and recently relocated to Michigan to join Refugee Services. When asked why he chose CCIEC specifically, he says our mission touches his heart. “I am honored to join Catholic Charities IEC, an organization that embodies love, compassion, and service to those in need,” says Bilal Wardak. “Having experienced the hardships of becoming a refugee twice in my life, I am deeply moved by the mission of Catholic Charities to support immigrant and refugee communities, transcending borders and standing firmly against hate.” 

Bilal’s experience and unwavering commitment helped further the mission of serving, supporting, and empowering those in need. We are honored that Bilal’s journey led him to CCIEC, and we thank him for his bravery, resilience, and outstanding dedication to equality across the globe.