Discover the story behind Pakistan's premier space camp that has been inspiring young minds for over three decades.
18
Successful Camps
700+
Alumni
30+
Years Legacy
Buraq Space Camp is an annual week-long winter camp held in Islamabad every December. Focused on science and space, the camp gives 40 driven teenagers from across Pakistan a chance to spend seven days immersed in exploration, learning, and challenge, all within a fast-paced, team-based environment.
Cadets are placed in teams of four and follow a packed daily schedule of lectures, missions, physical training, quizzes, and group tasks. While space and science are at the core, the camp also dives into a wide range of subjects including history, geography, leadership, and problem-solving, making every day feel new.
40 Cadets
Per Camp
7 Days
Intensive Program
All essentials such as accommodation, gear, and in-camp facilities are completely free. Sleeping and restroom areas are separate for boys and girls, and the site is secured 24/7.
Buraq isn't just a camp. It's a week that opens your mind, tests your limits, and stays with you long after it ends.
Completely Free
All accommodation, gear & facilities included
Beyond this camp, Buraq instills a constellation of connections bound not just by memory, but by purpose. It's a society where help arrives before it's asked for, where guidance flows across batches, borders, and generations. In a world often fragmented, Buraq's network is an orbit of more than 700 alumni - magnetic and dependable in how far it reaches and how deeply it supports.
In 1993, Dr. Shahid Mahmud returned from a visit to a space camp in Uzbekistan with a vision. He had seen firsthand how powerful and inspiring such an experience could be for young minds. He came back to Pakistan with a simple but bold idea: to create a platform where students could explore the wonders of space and science in a hands-on, meaningful way.
He shared this vision with Mr. Sameer Qureshi, and together they began shaping what would eventually become the Buraq Planetary Society. Drawing from the model they had observed, they carefully adapted it to fit the needs and aspirations of Pakistani students.
1993
The vision was born
In 1994, the first Buraq Space Camp was held in Murree. That same year, three of Buraq's earliest cadets were selected to attend the Uzbekistan Space Camp, earning the program international recognition right from the start. It was a proud and defining moment.
Since then, Buraq has held 18 successful camps, each one built on the same founding spirit of curiosity, discipline, and exploration. What began as a small initiative is now a growing community of ambitious individuals inspired to learn, lead, and reach for something greater.
Murree
First camp location
1994
International recognition
To identify and empower promising youth by fostering an environment of learning, teamwork, and mentorship, unlike anything a conventional classroom offers. With the carefully crafted atmosphere of discipline and shared purpose, cadets are challenged out of their comfort zones.
We don't just prepare future scientists, entrepreneurs, or policymakers. We prepare individuals who lead with integrity, think with clarity, and serve with purpose.
The intense yet nurturing environment is designed to bring out the best in each participant. Through simulations, high stake negotiations, collaborative missions, and personal reflection, cadets evolve into focused, thoughtful individuals.
These core principles guide everything we do and shape the character of every member in our extraordinary community.
Practicing consistency and focus in every task. Owning responsibilities with accountability and mastering time to lead with intent. Building habits that create lasting excellence and personal growth.
Building bonds through shared purpose and mutual integrity. Uplifting one another through teamwork, trust, and collective growth. Creating lifelong connections that transcend individual achievements.
Thinking beyond limits with clarity and purpose. Pursuing long-term goals through foresight, creativity, and direction. Developing the ability to see possibilities where others see obstacles.
Everything you need for an exceptional week-long experience, provided with care and attention to detail.
Grouped in 4, cadets reside in durable, all-weather waterproof tents
Enhanced camaraderie and safety through shared living
Separate tents and restroom facilities for boys and girls
Custom-designed Buraq jacket (mandatory attire for camp duration)
Insulated sleeping bag suitable for outdoor temperatures
Comfortable pillow for quality rest
Three nutritious meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Snacks available for purchase at in-camp tuck shop
Drinking water and hygiene stations readily accessible
Designated prayer breaks scheduled throughout the day
All boarding, lodging, field activities, and instruction provided at no cost
Only optional snack purchases at tuck shop are paid by cadets
Transport to/from camp site arranged by families
Fully-stocked first aid kit and basic medical support always on-site
24/7 security presence with guarded campsite perimeter
Strict confidentiality and consent protocols for emergency parent contact
Daily schedule includes physical activities, study sessions, team missions, and rest
Strict discipline, respect for peers/superiors, and Buraq values expected
Field trips and simulations conducted under close supervision
Your peace of mind is our priority. Here's how we ensure a safe, structured, and enriching experience for your cadet.
For maximum immersion and continuity, cadets remain on campus for the entire duration of the camp.
Cadets are given their phones at night time, after which they are collected, securely held, and charged by the camp staff.
Comprehensive safety measures ensure a secure environment for all cadets.
Dedicated male and female staff available round-the-clock
Gender-sensitive accommodations and supervision
Camp conducted in secure, enclosed areas, inaccessible to unauthorized persons
Emergency contact points will be shared with parents in advance
A journey through the decades - from humble beginnings to transformative experiences
Inspired by a visit to Uzbekistan's space camp, Dr. Shahid Mahmud and Mr. Sameer Qureshi launch the first Buraq Space Camp in Murree, adapting the model for Pakistani students. The initiative quickly gains momentum, and by the end of the year, three cadets are selected to attend the Uzbekistan Space Camp — earning Buraq international recognition in its very first year.
Buraq faced its first major setback. Dr. Shahid Mahmud observed that many students attended merely in pursuit of recommendation letters, with little regard for the values Buraq aimed to instill. The spirit of teamwork had diminished, as the 'Best Buraqian' award fostered individual competition. In response, he chose to pause the program.
Buraq was revived by Anushay Mahmud, daughter of Dr. Shahid Mahmud, after alumni shared how the camp had changed their lives. She removed the 'Best Buraqian' award to foster teamwork, introduced hands-on learning, and expanded subjects beyond space and physics. Many former Buraqians offered their time and support to help bring the camp back to life. And so, Buraq was reshaped into the collaborative and transformative experience it is known as today.
In light of the global pandemic, Buraq made the difficult decision to pause operations for the safety of all involved. While the world adapted to new norms, so did Buraq — using the break to reassess, reflect, and further strengthen its vision for the future. The spirit of Buraq remained alive in its growing alumni community, which continued to stay connected virtually.
After the pandemic-induced break, the Buraq team used this time to reflect and refine the camp experience. Upon resumption in 2023, the structure was significantly enhanced: traditional lecture formats were reduced, making way for more STEM-focused activities, interactive discussions, and hands-on learning. The camp returned with renewed energy — more dynamic, immersive, and aligned with modern learning needs.
Chairman
Dr. Mahmud is dedicated to addressing the critical needs of society through systems integration, enhanced by optimized c...
Co Chairman
Sameer Qureshi holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master's degree in Co...
Vice Chairperson
Naureen Gul Mahmud serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the Buraq Planetary Society, where she provides essen...
Vice Chairperson
MBA London Business School An influential figure with an extensive track record, Usman stands as a regional entrepreneur...
Program Director
Masters in Educational Leadership from The University of Exeter Anushay is motivated by a passion for empowering the you...
Program Manager
Possessing a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Moiz ...
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Head of Logistical Operations and Administration
Colonel (R) Nadeem Maqsood Hashmi has been an integral part of the Buraq Camp since 2012, playing a pivotal role in main...
STEM Leader
Shahryar is PhD Physics candidate at the University of Houston, Texas and Buraq Space Camp alumnus from 2012. Shahryar ...
STEM Leader
Ammar is a Biomedical Computer Engineer from Habib University. He is a trainee field engineer and technician currently b...
Chairman
Co Chairman
Vice Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Program Director
Program Manager
Head of Logistical Operations and Administration
STEM Leader
STEM Leader