The latest edition of the PUAN Fortnightly Newsletter is here! Discover inspiring alumni success stories, stay updated on community news, and explore fresh opportunities for academic and professional growth. Whether you’re aiming to reconnect, expand your network, or level up your career, this issue has everything you need to stay in the loop with the dynamic Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network.
Highlights of PUAN South Punjab Reunion 2025
The 2025 PUAN South Punjab Reunion, held in Multan, brought together over 150 passionate alumni of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) for a day filled with reflection, storytelling, and renewed commitment to community impact. This memorable gathering not only celebrated the shared experiences of exchange alumni but also sparked new ideas and collaborations for the future.
PUAN Hosts Reunions in Gilgit and Hunza Celebrating Alumni Impact
The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) Gilgit Chapter brought together over 70 alumni from across Gilgit-Baltistan for two memorable reunion dinners, first in Hunza on July 25 and then in Gilgit on July 26, to celebrate the lasting impact of U.S. government exchange programs and the strength of a growing alumni community. Both events provided vibrant platforms for reconnection, reflection, and celebration of alumni achievements. Together, the reunions drew 60 participants in Gilgit and 13 in Hunza, representing a diverse group of alumni from Fulbright, Global UGRAD, CCIP, YES, and other prestigious exchange programs.
Alumni Debrief: A Space to Reflect and Reconnect
The U.S. Embassy, in collaboration with PUAN, hosted a vibrant debrief session for our newest exchange alumni, a dynamic group of professionals and students returning from U.S. Government-funded programs. The event provided a valuable opportunity for alumni to reflect on their exchange experiences, reconnect with fellow changemakers, and learn more about PUAN resources.
Participants represented a diverse range of programs, including the Professional Fellows Program (Governance & Society, Economic Empowerment), ACYPL, CEE, SUSI for Scholars, Secondary Educators and Student Leaders, SUSI Albright Young Women Leaders, TechWomen, and TechGirls.
Alumni engaged in thoughtful discussions, exchanged ideas, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening U.S.-Pakistan ties through collaboration and community-driven impact. View photos here.
PUAN Alumnus Sends Wheat Seeds to Pakistan
PUAN alumnus Mahhad Nayyar has made history! His research project has sent Pakistan-origin wheat seeds to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule. This inspiring story shows how Mahhad’s work could shape the future of space farming and sustainable agriculture. From Punjab’s fields to orbit, truly a stellar achievement for Pakistan! Read more here.
Global Recognition for PUAN’s Hameed ul Mehdi at CDS 2025
Big congratulations to PUAN alumnus Hameed ul Mehdi on receiving the International Community Development (ICD) Award 2025 from the Community Development Society (CDS)! Recognized for his impactful work on inclusive community development including a Girls’ Karate Tournament for Hazara girls in Quetta (PUAN Grant 2023) Hameed continues to champion equity and empowerment from local to global platforms. His paper was accepted for presentation at the CDS 2025 Conference in New York, and he was also awarded the CDS Diversity Fund Travel Scholarship. Read more here.
Strengthening Pak–U.S. Economic Ties Through Innovation & Media
Najia Ashar is PUAN alumna (East West Center 2013) founder of Global Neighbourhood For Media Innovation GNMI (Pakistan) and PULSE (U.S.). She recently hosted a dynamic Pak–U.S. Business & Entrepreneurship Conference in Karachi under the PUAN grant, spotlighting the power of digital storytelling and cross-border collaboration. Najia Ashar emphasized the critical role of digital entrepreneurship in deepening Pak–U.S. commercial relations. Anthony Jones, Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Consulate General Karachi, highlighted how innovation and economic diplomacy are shaping the future of bilateral ties. More here.
SUSI Alumna Kanza Javed Launches Her Second Book
ig news from PUAN alumna Kanza Javed (SUSI 2011)! Her second book, What Remains After the Fire, arrives this September! From the alleys of her grandparents’ village to cities across multiple countries, Kanza weaves a powerful compilation of memories, sense of belonging, and self-discovery anchored in the heart of Lahore. An award-winning writer and MFA graduate from West Virginia University, Kanza’s debut novel Ashes, Wine and Dust was a South Asian bestseller. Her work has appeared in American Literary Review, The Malahat Review, and many more.
Apply for Professional Fellows Program on Economic Empowerment
Make your next move count. If you’re a mid-career professional in business administration, economic development, or entrepreneurship, the South and Central Asia Professional Fellows Program is your gateway to international learning and community leadership. Applications now open:
Send Us Your Recent Publications
At PUAN, we are continually inspired by the incredible work that U.S. exchange alumni have been doing. The dedication and contributions of our alumni are making a significant impact, and we are proud to have you all as part of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). We would love to hear about your recent accomplishments. If you have published an op-ed, journal article, news piece, or any other work in the past three months, please let us know by filling out this quick questionnaire. Additionally, we encourage you to keep us informed of your future publications by emailing us at info@puan.pk. Your continued support and engagement are vital to the success of PUAN, and we are grateful for your contributions. Please note that the compilation of alumni publications is a recurring activity. Therefore, we kindly request that you avoid submitting the same information more than once.
