Dear PUAN Tribe,
Welcome to the latest edition of PUAN Voices, covering August 8–21, 2026. This fortnight, we bring you highlights from across the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, featuring alumni-led initiatives, professional development opportunities, and stories demonstrating alumni expertise in action. Explore how PUAN members are applying their exchange experiences, strengthening professional networks, advancing innovation, and creating practical opportunities across Pakistan.
Freedom 250 Dialogue in Lahore Explores U.S.–Pakistan Collaboration on Artificial Intelligence
As the United States marks 250 years of independence, artificial intelligence represents the next chapter in a long tradition of American innovation built on freedom, ingenuity, and collaboration. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker joined academics, business leaders, and media representatives in Lahore to explore how American innovation is shaping the future of AI and the opportunities it presents for Pakistan’s growing innovation ecosystem. The discussion highlighted how partnerships between U.S. and Pakistani institutions, businesses, and innovators can unlock new opportunities and drive shared prosperity under the Trump administration’s leadership. Read more about CDA’s interaction here.
Freedom 250: Samra Hameed is Turning Digital Skills into Global E-Commerce Success
From D.G. Khan to customers across 41 countries, Samra Hameed is turning digital skills into global e-commerce success. Samra, our English Access Microscholarship Program 2021–2023 alumna, has grown her Etsy business, Samra Bead Patterns, to more than 1,000 sales, with the United States representing her largest market. After participating in the PUAN Masterclass 2026 on “E-Commerce & Digital Trade: Building Pakistan–U.S. Economic Partnerships,” Samra put her learning into practice by improving product listings, customer communication, digital marketing, and her approach to business growth. Since the Masterclass, she has gained 37+ new positive reviews, while 47 customers have returned for repeat purchases.
Now, she is looking ahead to expanding into physical DIY products, reaching new international markets, and sharing her experience with other aspiring digital entrepreneurs. As we celebrate Freedom 250, Samra’s journey demonstrates how practical skills, entrepreneurial initiative, and digital platforms can connect Pakistani entrepreneurs with global economic opportunities. Read more about Samra’s story here.
PUAN Grant Builds AI and Workforce Readiness Skills Among Youth in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Preparing Youth for an AI-Driven Workforce! Through her PUAN grant, Fulbright FLTA 2014–2015 alumna Bushra Mahmood brought approximately 50 young people and early-career professionals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi together for an intensive AI and workforce-readiness bootcamp. Participants gained hands-on skills in generative AI, advanced prompt engineering, career branding, Design Thinking, professional communication, and workplace readiness, alongside industry mentoring from professionals at S&P Global.
The bootcamp concluded with closing remarks by Katie Smith, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, followed by certificate distribution. Read more about Bushra Mahmood’s grant here.
PUAN Grant Advances Workforce Readiness Through Soft Skills Training in Ghizer
A five-day NEXTGen: Soft Skills for Youth Workforce Readiness workshop in Ghizer equipped 30 young participants with practical competencies increasingly important for today’s workplace. Implemented by Dr. Aftab Ahmed Khan, Fulbright Scholar 2021–2022 and PUAN grantee, the training focused on communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, adaptability, time management, professional ethics, confidence building, and professional networking.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, practical exercises, group activities, discussions, presentations, and workplace-oriented learning designed to help bridge the gap between academic education and professional expectations. The PUAN Grant reflects a continued focus on workforce readiness, market-relevant skills, and professional development for young people preparing to enter changing employment markets. Read more about Dr. Mubarak Ali’s PUAN grant here.
PUAN Connect Grant in Sukkur Explores Digital Innovation, AI, and Economic Opportunity
How can AI and digital tools help emerging professionals strengthen their skills and explore new economic opportunities? Through the PUAN Connect Grant “PUAN Alumni Dialogue Series: Digital Innovation, Free Expression, and Economic Opportunity,” approximately 30 participants in Sukkur explored the practical use of artificial intelligence, digital tools, effective communication, and emerging opportunities in the digital economy. Led by Mubarak Ali, our English Works 2021–2022 alumnus and member of the PUAN Sukkur Chapter, the program combined interactive discussions with hands-on activities using tools such as Canva, Google Workspace, and Perplexity. Participants also practiced AI prompting and explored how digital technologies can support research, productivity, content development, entrepreneurship, and professional growth.
Read more that how PUAN Connect Grant led initiatives can help emerging professionals build practical digital capabilities and better navigate an increasingly technology-driven economy.
PUAN Connect Grant Equips Hyderabad Educators with AI Skills for Technology-Enhanced Classrooms
How can educators turn rapidly evolving AI tools into practical resources for the classroom? Through the PUAN Connect Grant “AI-Powered Classrooms: Transforming Teaching and Learning through Digital Innovation,” approximately 30 educators in Hyderabad gained hands-on experience using AI to support lesson planning, content creation, classroom activities, research, and student engagement. Led by Munesh Kumar, our OPEN Virtual Program 2024 alumnus, the workshop introduced participants to tools including ChatGPT, Claude, Canva, MagicSchool, Urdu AI, and NotebookLM. Educators also practiced prompt engineering and explored academic integrity, information quality, critical evaluation of AI-generated content, and responsible technology use.
Supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with PUAN, the initiative equipped educators with practical digital skills they can apply and share in their teaching environments. Read more about Munesh’s PUAN Connect Grant here.
PUAN Grant SkillUp Sindh Equips Rural Youth with Entrepreneurship and Workforce Skills
From skills training to starting a business in rural Sindh! Through the PUAN Grant SkillUp Sindh: Youth Workforce Readiness & Digital Entrepreneurship Program, young people from Naushahro Feroze gained practical skills in entrepreneurship, freelancing, digital literacy, career planning, and online business development. Led by Sajid Ali, a Professional Fellows Program alumnus of the University of Oklahoma, the initiative built on Sajid’s U.S. exchange experience to introduce young people to opportunities beyond conventional employment and prepare them for the changing world of work.
The impact is already visible. During the training, participant Dilkash launched “Dil Ka Nashta,” which has since grown into a functioning local business in Naushahro Feroze. SkillUp Sindh demonstrates how practical skills, mentorship, and entrepreneurship can empower young people to move from seeking opportunities to creating their own. Read more about SkillUp Sindh project by Sajid Ali here.
Apply Now to Join USEFP Team as Director Operations
The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) is inviting applications for the senior leadership position of Director Operations. The role will provide strategic leadership and overall management of USEFP’s administrative, security, procurement, facilities, and operational functions, while maintaining close coordination with the Technical/Facility Management Firm. Applicants should preferably hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resource Management, or a related field, along with relevant professional certifications, and have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, operations, facilities management, procurement, and logistics, including a minimum of three years in a senior management role. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience in developing administrative, procurement, and security systems; managing budgets and compliance; and leading diverse teams. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by August 25, 2026. For more info and to apply, visit the website.
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.
Lincoln Corners Pakistan
Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the U.S. Embassy and local institutions across Pakistan, serving as American-style cultural and educational centers. They are multi-media resource hubs offering access to reliable information about the United States, American English teaching and learning, strategic cultural programs, professional skills building, and resources for U.S. higher education. We encourage all PUAN alumni to promote these Corners! They provide WiFi and internet access for visitors and engage local audiences through meaningful programs. Visit the website of Lincoln Corners for the Corner nearest you.
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!
