Representatives from the U.S. Embassy Islamabad met with U.S. exchange alumni in Skardu to discuss regional economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, and the potential for commercial development in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The recent engagement at Skardu brought together six U.S. exchange alumni, U.S. Mission staff members, and representatives from the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN).
Connecting Alumni Expertise with Regional Economic Opportunities
The participating alumni represented diverse professional backgrounds, including education, engineering, tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
The gathering included:
- Haji Karim Khan, Fulbright Scholar 2016–2017, affiliated with Karakoram International University, Skardu Campus.
- Javaid Musa, English Works 2018 alumnus and Embedded Systems Engineer at RMA Metering Private Limited.
- Muhammad Shoaib Ashoor, English Access 2014–2016 alumnus, entrepreneur, and Manager at The North Palace.
- Muhammad Hassan, OPEN Virtual 2023 alumnus and English Language Instructor at Government Girls Degree College, Hussainabad, Skardu.
- Baqir Hussain, English Works 2018, Assistant Professor at Government Boys Degree College, Skardu.
- Ajmal Hussain, English Access 2014–2016 alumnus and entrepreneur operating a furniture manufacturing business.
During the discussions, alumni shared their professional experiences and perspectives on Gilgit-Baltistan’s economic potential, highlighting tourism, gemstone mining, and hydropower generation as sectors offering opportunities for further development.
Participants also discussed the region’s tourism industry, local resources, and the role of entrepreneurship in expanding economic activity. Their insights provided U.S. Mission representatives with perspectives from professionals and business owners working in the region.
Exploring Pathways for Economic Development
The engagement highlighted the value of connecting U.S. exchange alumni with opportunities to contribute their professional knowledge and local market insights to discussions on regional economic priorities.
Alumni perspectives on tourism, gemstones, and hydropower offered a starting point for identifying potential areas of economic growth and future commercial engagement.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for the U.S. Mission to maintain direct engagement with alumni working across education, technology, and business sectors in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Through such engagements, PUAN continues to provide a platform for U.S. exchange alumni to share professional expertise, highlight local economic opportunities, and contribute to discussions that can inform future U.S.–Pakistan commercial cooperation.
