The Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 PUAN Grants Program. Following a competitive nationwide selection process, a diverse group of U.S. Government exchange alumni have been awarded funding to implement innovative projects that promote economic opportunity, workforce development, free expression, digital innovation, and community-based solutions across Pakistan.
The PUAN Grants Program supports alumni-led initiatives that translate the knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained through U.S. Government-funded exchange programs into meaningful and sustainable impact for local communities. Through these grants, alumni continue to strengthen U.S.–Pakistan people-to-people ties while addressing pressing social, economic, and technological challenges.
Advancing Impact Through Special Themes Grants
Under the Special Themes Grants category, alumni will implement projects aligned with the 2026 thematic priorities identified by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan. These initiatives focus on strengthening workforce readiness, promoting digital innovation, encouraging civic dialogue, supporting entrepreneurship, and expanding public understanding of economic opportunities.
The 2026 Special Themes Grant recipients are:
- Dr. Aftab Ahmed Khan: AI Training for Preservice Graduate Teachers in Islamabad Universities
- Dr. Ali Ahmad: Community Digital Expression and Civic Information Lab
- Dr. Ayesha Ashfaq: Digital Trust and Free Expression in the AI Era
- Dr. Muhammad Shehryar Khan: Youth Workforce Readiness and Digital Economy Pathways Initiative
- Shaan M. Khan: Build AI Skills for Tomorrow
- Sajid Ali: SkillUp Sindh
- Ms. Aqsa Ahmad: Youth Economic Literacy and Digital Awareness Initiative in South Punjab
- Arbish Shahid: NextGen Global E-Commerce, Multan
- Bushra Mahmood: Future-Proofing Youth: Upskilling for the AI-Driven Workforce
- Subhash Chander: Peshawar Entrepreneurship Program
- Afsha Jehan: Community Innovation Lab
- Sarah Hussain Kazmi: Energy Sphere Podcast
- Dr. Furqan Ul-Haq Siddiqui: Empowering Balochistan’s Youth through Technology and Entrepreneurship
- Najia Ashar: Open Voices: Strengthening Media, Dialogue, and Digital Innovation in Pakistan
These projects will engage students, educators, entrepreneurs, professionals, journalists, and community leaders, creating pathways for economic participation, innovation, and informed civic engagement.
Strengthening Alumni Networks Through PUAN Connects
The PUAN Connects grants support chapter-level alumni engagement initiatives that encourage collaboration, professional exchange, and local leadership across PUAN chapters nationwide.
The 2026 PUAN Connects awardees include:
- Abdul Ahad Qureshi: AI for Society: Alumni Dialogue on Awareness, Ethics, and the Future
- Arshad Baig: Digital Dialogue: Empowering Youth through Free Expression and Open Information
- Waqas Ahmad: Connecting Youth with Businesses to Build Pakistan’s Future Digital Workforce
- Bakht Zamina: Networking and Musical Night for PUAN Alumni Balochistan
- Asif Javid: Smart Investment Readiness Initiative
- Muhammad Soban Amir: AI for Pakistan: Workshops on Workforce Readiness in the AI Economy
- Mubarak Ali: PUAN Alumni Dialogue Series
- Parveen Noor: Creative Gwadar: Youth Art Innovation Workshop and Community Exhibition
- Munesh Kumar: AI-Powered Classrooms: Transforming Teaching and Learning through Digital Innovation
- Syeda Natasha Anwar: Startup Investment Readiness: Thinking Like a Venture Capitalist
These chapter-based projects will foster stronger alumni networks while advancing discussions and learning opportunities around technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic engagement.
Supporting U.S.–Pakistan Cooperation Through Alumni Leadership
The 2026 PUAN Grants Program reflects the enduring impact of U.S. exchange programs and the vital role alumni play as leaders, innovators, and community changemakers. By leveraging their exchange experiences and professional expertise, these alumni are developing practical solutions that address local needs while strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
The selected projects align with one of five key thematic areas:
- Economic Reform, Trade & Investment Readiness
- Workforce Readiness for Trade, Technology & Investment
- Economic Narratives & Public Understanding
- Free Expression, Open Information & Digital Innovation
- Freedom 250 – Community-Based Innovation & U.S. Best Practices
Through these initiatives, PUAN alumni will engage communities across Pakistan, create opportunities for learning and collaboration, and contribute to a more innovative, connected, and prosperous future.
PUAN congratulates all grant recipients and looks forward to showcasing the impact of their projects in the months ahead. Their work demonstrates the power of alumni networks to transform ideas into action and create lasting change in communities throughout Pakistan.
