Gahkuch, Ghizer | July 27, 2026 — The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), with support from the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, brought together young leaders, journalists, educators, and digital communicators in Gahkuch, Ghizer, for an engaging workshop on responsible digital engagement under the PUAN Connect Grants Program. The workshop, titled “Digital Dialogue: Empowering Youth through Free Expression and Open Information,” was organized by Arshad Baig, a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program alumnus and member of the PUAN Gilgit Chapter, as part of his alumni-led community initiative.
Held at Hotel Metropolitan, Gahkuch, the workshop brought together 36 participants representing a diverse range of professions, including journalists, academics, educators, digital content creators, social media influencers, media students, technology enthusiasts, and aspiring young leaders. The event created a vibrant platform for participants to exchange ideas on responsible digital communication, ethical journalism, open information environments, and the role of free expression in promoting innovation, civic engagement, and community development.
The initiative forms part of Arshad Baig’s PUAN Connect Grant project, which seeks to strengthen awareness of free expression and open information while equipping youth with the skills to engage responsibly in digital spaces. Through dialogue, practical learning, and collaboration, the project encourages participants to become responsible digital citizens capable of contributing positively to public discourse and community problem-solving.
Throughout the workshop, participants explored how digital platforms have transformed communication, entrepreneurship, and civic participation, while also examining the ethical responsibilities that accompany these opportunities. Interactive discussions emphasized the importance of media literacy, critical thinking, audience trust, respectful online communication, and fact-based information sharing in building healthy digital communities. Participants also discussed how alumni-led storytelling, digital content creation, and innovative communication can strengthen civic dialogue and expand economic opportunities for young people.
The workshop featured an accomplished panel of speakers whose expertise enriched the discussions. Mohd Jan, renowned educationalist and writer, highlighted the transformative role of education, critical thinking, and responsible communication in developing informed and engaged citizens. Yaqoob Tai, Senior Journalist and President of the Ghizer Press Club, shared practical insights into ethical journalism, fact-based reporting, and the media’s responsibility in countering misinformation while safeguarding freedom of expression. Muheen Zaman, a prominent social media influencer, discussed strategies for creating meaningful digital content, building authentic online communities, and using digital platforms to generate positive social impact. Through practical examples and interactive dialogue, the speakers encouraged participants to reflect on both the opportunities and challenges presented by today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The workshop also connected participants in Gahkuch with alumni and U.S. Mission representatives through a live Zoom session. Salman Wahab, Alumni Coordinator at the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, congratulated Project Lead Arshad Baig for successfully bringing together participants from diverse professional backgrounds and organizing such an important discussion in one of Pakistan’s remote regions. He remarked that hosting a high-quality learning event in Gahkuch reflects the expanding reach and strength of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network across the country.
Mr. Wahab further commended PUAN’s continued commitment to community development, particularly through alumni-led initiatives in underserved areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan. Reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States, he described the milestone as a celebration of the enduring values of freedom of speech and expression. He encouraged participants to promote open dialogue, civic engagement, and the responsible exercise of free expression, noting that these principles contribute to stronger communities, informed citizens, and democratic participation.
Waqar A. Khan, representing the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, welcomed participants and appreciated Arshad Baig and the organizing team for creating an inclusive learning platform that connected youth and professionals from diverse backgrounds. He also applauded the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, noting that its community of more than 45,000 alumni continues to create lasting impact across Pakistan through education, leadership, volunteerism, innovation, and community-driven initiatives.
The closing ceremony was attended by distinguished academic and community leaders who reaffirmed the importance of digital literacy, ethical communication, and youth leadership in today’s information age. Dr. Shahbuddin, Director of Karakoram International University (KIU) Ghizer Campus, emphasized the role of higher education institutions in nurturing digitally responsible citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to society. Dr. Afta Ahmed, Head of the Department of Computer Sciences at Karakoram International University, Gilgit, highlighted the growing importance of technology, digital innovation, and responsible online engagement in an increasingly interconnected world. Professor Amir Baig, Member of the Gilgit-Baltistan Peace Committee, underscored the importance of respectful dialogue, tolerance, and constructive communication in promoting peace, countering misinformation, and strengthening social harmony.
In his closing remarks, Project Lead Arshad Baig thanked the participants, speakers, volunteers, and partner institutions for their active engagement and support in making the workshop a success. He expressed special appreciation to the U.S. Mission to Pakistan and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) for supporting alumni-led initiatives that empower communities through dialogue, learning, and youth leadership. He also acknowledged the dedication of the organizing team and volunteers whose collective efforts ensured the successful implementation of the event.
Through the PUAN Connect Grants Program, alumni across Pakistan continue to transform their U.S. exchange experiences into locally driven initiatives that address emerging challenges and strengthen communities. By promoting responsible digital engagement, ethical communication, open information, and constructive civic dialogue, “Digital Dialogue: Empowering Youth through Free Expression and Open Information” is helping cultivate a new generation of informed, responsible, and digitally empowered citizens while strengthening the role of open dialogue in advancing innovation, resilience, and community development.
