PUAN Voices: Fortnightly Newsletter May 1-15, 2026

Dear PUAN Tribe,

Explore the latest edition of the PUAN Fortnightly Newsletter featuring exciting opportunities, alumni highlights, upcoming programs, and recent activities from across the PUAN community. Stay connected, expand your network, and discover new ways to engage, collaborate, and grow.

Freedom 250: Sahil Kashwani’s Journey of Education, Peacebuilding, and Youth Empowerment

From a small village in Sindh to becoming an educator and youth leader, Sahil Kashwani is turning his U.S. Consulate General Karachi and RELO Pakistan-supported English Works Program experience into meaningful impact through education, peacebuilding, and community engagement. An English Works 2021-22 alumnus and emerging education leader, Sahil is empowering young people through dialogue, mentorship, and inclusive learning initiatives. Read more here.

Freedom 250: Mian Ahmed Zameer’s Journey of Creative Leadership and Cultural Collaboration

From branding and heritage storytelling to youth mentorship and creative leadership, Mian Ahmed Zameer is applying his U.S. exchange experience to empower young professionals and strengthen Pakistan’s creative industries. As an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) 2024 alumnus, he continues to engage with emerging leaders through workshops, mentorship sessions, and community initiatives focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural collaboration. His journey reflects how exchange programs inspire leadership, volunteerism, and meaningful community impact. Read his full story here.

Freedom 250 Speaker Series: Dr. Muhammad Waqar Ahmad Highlights Power of U.S. Exchange Programs

The Freedom 250 Speaker Series featured U.S. exchange alum Dr. Muhammad Waqar Ahmad (Professional Fellows Program 2023 alumnus) in an engaging session on “Investing in People: How U.S. Exchanges Build Leaders, Networks, and Impact.” Dr. Ahmad shared insights on how U.S. exchange programs strengthen leadership, expand professional networks, and create lasting impact across communities and institutions. Participants actively engaged in the discussion and expressed strong interest in future U.S. exchange opportunities and alumni engagement initiatives. The session highlighted the enduring value of exchange programs in fostering collaboration, professional growth, and people-to-people connections. Read more here.

PUAN Reconnect Series: Exploring AI, Innovation, and U.S.-Pakistan Technology Collaboration 

PUAN, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Islamabad and USEFP, organized the second session of the PUAN Reconnect Policy Discussion Series on May 7, 2026, at the USEFP Building in Islamabad. The session brought together 18 PUAN alumni and representatives from government, startups, American companies, and the U.S. Mission to discuss AI, innovation, cybersecurity, workforce development, and opportunities for U.S.-Pakistan technology collaboration. The discussion also highlighted responsible AI use, emerging technology trends, and plans for an upcoming Innovation Center at the USEFP Building to support entrepreneurs and innovators. Read more here.

Join EducationUSA’s Hybrid Session on Cross-Border Academic Collaboration

Are you a university administrator, faculty member, or student in Pakistan interested in international academic opportunities? Join us in Islamabad on May 18 at 3:00 pm for a live session with Dr. Michael Hirsch, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Huston-Tillotson University and a visiting scholar at the American Institute of Pakistan Studies, on “Cross-Border Academic Collaboration.” Dr. Hirsch, with his extensive experience in program assessment and evaluation, will share insights into the opportunities and challenges of international academic partnerships. The session will focus on how Pakistani universities can enhance ties with U.S. higher education institutions and build sustainable exchange programs. For registration and details, visit here.

Opportunity to Join PUAN-USEFP as IT Developer-Data Analyst

The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), jointly administered by United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, is hiring an IT Developer – Data Analyst based in Islamabad Position: IT Developer – Data Analyst (PUAN) at Islamabad. Application Deadline is May 20, 2026. The role offers an exciting opportunity for experienced IT professionals with expertise in web application development, SQL databases, UI/UX design, and web technologies including ColdFusion, Java, .NET, HTML/CSS, Bootstrap, and JavaScript. Candidates with strong analytical, technical, and communication skills are encouraged to apply. For details, visit here.

Update Your Profiles to Be Part of Exciting Opportunities Coming Up Next at PUAN

As PUAN continues to expand opportunities for alumni across Pakistan, we invite all members to take a few minutes to review and update their profiles on the PUAN alumni portal. Keeping your profile updated is essential to ensure you remain eligible for upcoming programs. It also helps us better connect you with opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and professional goals. With a network of over 45,000 alumni, PUAN is committed to creating meaningful engagement and impact, but this starts with having accurate and up-to-date information from our members. Updating your PUAN profiles also helps us connect you with initiatives that best match your skills, interests, and professional goals. It also enhances your visibility within the alumni network and ensures that you receive timely updates and important communications. We encourage all alumni to log in to the PUAN portal today and make sure their information is complete and up to date, your next opportunity with PUAN could be just one update away. Click here to update your information on PUAN Alumni Portal.

Accepting Applicatons Now Under Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The 2027 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is now open for mid-career Pakistani professionals with 8-18 years of experience in relevant fields. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this exchange program is designed to help you enhance leadership skills while connecting with a global network of professionals and learning from industry experts. Please note that an English language test score report (Duolingo, TOEFL iBT, or IELTS) is required for the application. The deadline to apply is May 20, 2026. To apply, visit www.usefp.org For questions, email us at humphrey@usefp.org.

Lincoln Corners Pakistan

Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the U.S. Embassy and local institutions across Pakistan, serving as American-style cultural and information centers. They are multi-media resource hubs offering access to reliable information about the U.S., English language learning, and a venue for cultural programs and open dialogue. PUAN members are strongly encouraged to utilize these centers for networking, hosting alumni events, accessing eLibraryUSA research databases, and connecting with local communities. We encourage all PUAN alumni to actively make use of these Corners! They are ideal venues for networking, hosting alumni-led activities, conducting training sessions, accessing eLibraryUSA research databases, and engaging with local communities through meaningful programs. Visit the website of Lincoln Corners to find the Corner nearest you and explore collaboration possibilities.

Join Our PUAN Facebook Groups

Don’t miss out on what’s happening right in your area! The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) is powered by 14 chapters across the country, and your local chapter is the best way to network, collaborate, and connect with fellow alumni in your city or region. Each of these chapters maintains a dedicated closed Facebook group, serving as your go-to space for local event announcements, chapter-specific project discussions, and instant networking opportunities. We encourage you to find and join your respective chapter’s closed group today. Simply search for your chapter name on Facebook and request to join or simply click here. Let’s build a stronger, more engaged local network together!

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.

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