Welcome to the latest edition of PUAN Voices, bringing you highlights of the achievements, initiatives, and opportunities shaping the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network. This edition celebrates the spirit of Freedom 250, spotlighting the launch of the Shahkaar Fankaar Alumni Artist Showcase and the Freedom 250 Arts and Culture Nights, where U.S. exchange alumni are bringing their American experiences to life through art, music, and creative expression. We also share details from the meetups with alumni, updates about ongoing PUAN Grants and heads up about upcoming cycle of PUAN Grants. We are also sharing snapshots from our internship program’s closing ceremonies and exciting career opportunities at PUAN, USEFP, and EducationUSA Pakistan.
PUAN Launches Freedom 250 Arts and Culture Nights with Center Stage Alumni Khumariyaan
PUAN launched it’s Freedom 250 Arts and Culture Nights series at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan with Khumariyaan Band, alumni of the U.S. Center Stage exchange program, on October 27. The band’s music blends traditional Pakistani sounds with influences from its cultural exchange program in the United States. Deputy Chief of Mission Catherine Connell toured the USEFP building, opened the event, and welcomed guests to an exciting musical set. The band members also participated in a panel discussion and shared stories about their Center Stage exchange, cultural fusion, and arts entrepreneurship.
From U.S. Exchange to Artistic Excellence: Shahkaar Fankaar Opens with Minaa Haroon’s Kal Exhibition
The U.S. Embassy Islamabad and Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) inaugurated the Shahkaar Fankaar Alumni Artist Showcase on October 22, 2026, at USEFP Islamabad as part of the Freedom 250 commemorations. The inaugural exhibition, Kal (Yesterday, Tomorrow), features Minaa Haroon, a 2024 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumna, whose artwork explores memory, cultural inheritance, and identity through contemporary artistic techniques inspired in part by her exposure to American museums and cultural preservation practices. Heidi Smith, Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, attended the opening and presented Minaa with a Certificate of Recognition for her artistic achievements. The event also featured a 3D projection of her artwork onto the USEFP building. Shahkaar Fankaar provides a dedicated platform for U.S. exchange alumni artists to showcase their work, expand professional networks, and highlight the lasting impact of American educational and cultural exchanges. Three additional alumni exhibitions are planned for 2027. The exhibition is open to the public until November 20, 2026, Monday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at USEFP Islamabad. Read more about the showcase here.
From Internships to Employment: PUAN National Internship Program 2026 Celebrates Career Success
The PUAN National Internship Program 2026 recently concluded with a closing ceremony at USEFP Islamabad, bringing together interns and mentors from the Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapters. Over three months, 38 interns and 37 mentors nationwide participated in the program, gaining practical workplace experience, professional skills, and career guidance through alumni mentorship. A key milestone: 39% of interns received job offers! The ceremony celebrated inspiring journeys of interns and mentors, highlighting how U.S. exchange alumni are opening doors for the next generation of professionals and strengthening Pakistan’s workforce. Read more about the ceremony here.
PUAN Economic Policy Challenge 2026: Turning U.S. Exchange Learning into Practical Economic Solutions
How can U.S. exchange experiences help address Pakistan’s economic challenges? Supported by U.S. Embassy Pakistan, at the PUAN Economic Policy Challenge 2026, our alumni from 14 PUAN chapters, joined by six international participants, developed 10 policy roadmaps addressing investment, trade, technology, energy, and other economic priorities. PUAN collaborated with Accountability Lab Pakistan for this Challenge. Through collaboration, policy analysis, and practical problem-solving, alumni transformed their exchange learning into actionable recommendations to support Pakistan’s economic competitiveness and stronger U.S.–Pakistan commercial engagement. Watch the highlights to know more about the program.
American Film Showcase Highlights U.S. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Digital Frontier
American Film Showcase Celebrates U.S. Innovation and Entrepreneurship! The U.S. Embassy Islamabad hosted a screening of Steve Jobs at USEFP Islamabad, bringing together 40 students, entrepreneurs, and professionals to explore American innovation, technology, and creativity. U.S. exchange alumni Jawad Sharif (Film Exchange alumnus) and Nida Fatima Zaidi (IVLP alumna) shared insights from their professional journeys and U.S. experiences, highlighting how innovation and entrepreneurship drive economic opportunities. Aligned with Freedom 250, the event celebrated American technological achievements and their relevance to Pakistan’s emerging entrepreneurs and creative professionals. Read more about this interaction here.
PUAN Alumni in Skardu Highlight Economic Opportunities in Tourism, Gemstones, and Hydropower During U.S. Embassy Engagement
Exploring Economic Opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan! U.S. Embassy Islamabad representatives recently met with six PUAN alumni in Skardu to discuss the region’s economic potential, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for commercial growth. The engagement brought together alumni from diverse professional backgrounds, including education, engineering, tourism, hospitality, and business. The alumni highlighted tourism, gemstone mining, and hydropower generation as sectors with potential for economic development, sharing local insights and professional experiences with the U.S. Mission team. The discussions underscored the value of U.S. exchange alumni networks in identifying regional economic opportunities and exploring pathways for future U.S.–Pakistan commercial engagement. Read more about Skardu meet-up here.
PUAN Alumni Highlight Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan During U.S. Embassy Engagement
U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s Public Diplomacy team recently met with PUAN alumni Lal Bano (CCIP 2010–11), Laila Jabeen Harri (CCIP 2013–14), and Saira Jahan (CCIP 2012–13) at Hunza, alongside USEFP representatives. The alumni highlighted opportunities for entrepreneurship, workforce development, English language training, and commercial growth, while discussing infrastructure and regulatory challenges affecting local businesses. The engagement explored how American expertise, vocational training, and U.S. exchange networks could help strengthen workforce readiness, support local enterprises, and create pathways for future U.S.–Pakistan commercial engagement in Gilgit-Baltistan. Read more about the Hunza meet-up with alumni here.
PUAN National Internship Program 2026 Recognizes Interns from Three Punjab Chapters
The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network continues to build professional skills, connections, and opportunities in Pakistan, the United States, and beyond. Public Affairs Officer Torrey Goad joined the closing ceremony of the PUAN National Summer Internship Program, celebrating interns who completed 12 weeks of practical workplace experience with PUAN alumni. These exchanges are an investment in people – and in the skills and networks that can drive innovation, expand markets, strengthen U.S.-Pakistan economic ties, and create new opportunities for American businesses. We’re proud of all these alum have accomplished and look forward to seeing where their skills and experiences take them next. View more here.
PUAN Connect Grant Bridges Youth and Industry Leaders to Strengthen Digital Workforce Readiness in Multan
A new hub Connecting Youth with Businesses to Build Pakistan’s Future Digital Workforce! How can young professionals bridge the gap between academic learning and the skills demanded by today’s digital economy? Through a PUAN Connect Grant led by Waqas Ahmad, an English Access 2021 alumnus, 50 participants in Multan connected with entrepreneurs, IT experts, and industry professionals to explore emerging career opportunities. The interactive event featured sessions on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, freelancing, e-commerce, and future workforce skills, giving participants opportunities to engage directly with industry experts and seek practical career guidance. Participants reported gaining valuable insights into online business, client engagement, and digital career pathways. By connecting emerging professionals with industry expertise, the initiative demonstrated how PUAN alumni can help strengthen workforce readiness, professional networks, and entrepreneurship in Pakistan’s digital economy. Read more Waqas Ahmad’s grant here.
PUAN Grant Advances Economic Literacy and Digital Awareness Among Youth in South Punjab
How can economic literacy and digital awareness help young people make smarter business and career decisions? Through a PUAN Grant led by Aqsa Ahmad, a 2024 IELP alumna, the Youth Economic Literacy and Digital Awareness Initiative in South Punjab brought students, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders together for practical learning and dialogue. Over 16 weeks, the project engaged participants in economic dialogues, digital literacy sessions, and discussions on financial awareness, market dynamics, and entrepreneurship. By connecting U.S. exchange alumni expertise with local learning needs, PUAN continues to support practical skills, informed economic participation, and entrepreneurship in South Punjab. Read more about Aqsa’s grant here.
Fulbright 80th Anniversary Connect Brings Together Over 150 Alumni in Islamabad
Celebrating 80 years of the Fulbright Program in Lahore! USEFP hosted the Fulbright 80th Anniversary Connect in Lahore, bringing together 95 Fulbright alumni and eight Humphrey Fellows from Punjab. Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General Lahore, Sandeep Paul, joined as Chief Guest, along with USEFP Board Member and FCCU Rector Dr. Jonathan Addleton. Vice chancellors, faculty, entrepreneurs, bankers, and professionals from public and private sectors shared how their Fulbright experiences have shaped their careers, institutions, and communities.
Recently returned Fulbright and Humphrey fellows connected with experienced alumni, finding mentors, new collaborators, and a network that opens doors across academia, government, civil society, and the private sector. This evening was part of the global celebrations of the Fulbright Program’s 80th anniversary and the Freedom 250 commemorations.
Freedom 250 | Nida Fatima Zaidi is Pioneering SI-Powered Storytelling in Pakistan’s Television Industry
From award-winning documentaries to pioneering Super Intelligence (SI)-powered filmmaking, Nida Fatima Zaidi is bringing innovation to Pakistan’s television industry. An IVLP 2018 alumna and senior producer at Pakistan Television (PTV), Nida recently received the international ABU+ Award 2026 for Virtual Production for her film Tasveer Kahani. Building on her U.S. exchange experience, she continues to combine creative storytelling with emerging technologies to explore history, social issues, and cultural heritage. Her journey highlights the impact of U.S. exchange programs in fostering creative leadership and technological innovation.. Read more about her work here.
Coming Soon: PUAN Grants Program – Next Cycle!
Have a project idea that can make a meaningful impact? Get ready! The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) is preparing to launch the next cycle of its Grants Program, with applications opening on December 1, 2026. U.S. exchange alumni interested in turning their ideas into impactful initiatives are encouraged to start preparing. Further details, including priority themes, funding limits, eligibility criteria, and the application process, will be announced in the coming days. Stay tuned to PUAN’s official channels for updates and the upcoming call for proposals!
Apply Now to Join PUAN Team as Finance Assistant
The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), under the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), is inviting applications for the position of Finance Assistant based in Islamabad. This opportunity is ideal for motivated professionals with a background in finance and accounting who are looking to advance their careers while contributing their skills to a dynamic team. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and become part of PUAN’s operations. Application Deadline: November 8, 2026. Interested candidates can view the full job description and apply online.
Career Opportunity: Digital Production Coordinator at USEFP
The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) is inviting applications for the position of Digital Production Coordinator based in Islamabad. This opportunity is ideal for creative professionals passionate about visual storytelling, photography, videography, and digital content production. The selected candidate will help showcase the impact of U.S. exchange programs through engaging multimedia content, including videos, social media reels, graphics, alumni spotlights, and event coverage. Applicants should hold a degree in Mass Communication, Media Studies, Graphic Design, or a related field, with at least three years of relevant experience, proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Canva, and strong English and Urdu writing skills. Candidates must also submit a portfolio featuring three to five links to their original work. Application Deadline: November 8, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to view the job details and apply online.
Career Opportunity: Educational Adviser at EducationUSA Pakistan
EducationUSA Pakistan is inviting applications for the position of Educational Adviser based in Karachi. The selected candidate will provide accurate and impartial guidance to students and parents on U.S. higher education opportunities, while supporting outreach activities, educational programs, and events that help Pakistani students explore study options in the United States. Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution, possess strong knowledge of the U.S. higher education system and admissions process, and have relevant experience in educational advising, international education, or program management. Excellent communication and presentation skills, along with a willingness to travel for outreach activities, are essential. Application Deadline: November 8, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full job description and apply online through the application portal.
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!
