Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) celebrated the last of its series of reunions for the year 2019 with the Islamabad-Rawalpindi chapter reunion that was held on September 28. Every year, these reunions give both old and new alumni a chance to reconnect, relive their exchange memories and make new connections while having some fun along the way.
Attended by over 200 young and senior alumni, the theme for the Islamabad-Rawalpindi reunion was ‘Jan-e-Istiqbal – Inspiring Future Generations.’ The event honoured the alumni’s achievements by giving out PUAN Distinguished Awards, Young Emerging Leaders Awards and Volunteer of the Year Awards. A panel talk was held where four distinguished alumni discussed how new PUAN members can give back to communities through their exchange experiences. Syed Ali Hameed, IVLP alumnus and former President of Islamabad Rawalpindi Chapter, said:
“It’s not a choice but the responsibility of every citizen to promote peace and inclusion.”
PUAN Lahore Chapter’s reunion was also held in September where more than 300 alumni – including policymakers, scholars, educators, journalists, businessmen, and students – participated in celebrating U.S.-funded exchange programs. At this occasion, U.S. Consul General Catherine Rodriguez said:
“Today’s celebration is an extension of the long-standing relationship between the people of Pakistan and the United States.”
The Karachi and Jamshoro chapters celebrated their annual Alumni Reunion on September 14. Filled with different activities and engaging sessions, the events allowed our alumni to reconnect and share their journeys after their exchanges. Our UGrad Alumnus, Abdul Rehman, is a vlogger and captured all the action at Karachi Reunion which you can watch here. Rob Silberstein, the United States Consul General in Karachi, congratulated the exchange participants and said:
“You are Pakistan’s cultural ambassadors and your efforts help deepen America’s friendship with Pakistan’s wonderfully diverse people. I congratulate you on your accomplishments and urge you to use the connections you have developed in the United States to continue innovating.”
PUAN Baltistan Chapter organized a much-awaited reunion for all its members at a beautiful venue nestled in the mountains. The reunion was attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Ghulam Raza and Dr. Shafqat from University of Baltistan, President PUAN Baltistan Taqi Akhonzada, Additional Deputy Commissioner Skardu Dr. Anus and prominent political figure and Former Chairman of Municipal Corporation Skardu, Mr. Ahmed Ali.
PUAN’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chapter held its reunion from June 21-23 by organizing a three-day excursion trip to Bara Gali, KP. Attended by over 200 alumni, the event included camping, open mic night, hiking and, a bonfire and barbeque under the stars. The KP Chapter Leadership deserves all the credit for this out-of-the-box idea and seamless execution of the event. You can see more behind the scenes action of this reunion at this video blog, created by our KP alumnus Muhammad Ismail.
The 9th annual Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) chapter reunion was held in June. Almost a hundred attendees filled the room from all over AJK, including Mirpur, Bhimber, Neelum and beyond. Community outreach project ideas and focus areas were discussed at length during the course of the reunion. PUAN Sukkur Chapter organized its reunion of chapter on August 18, and decided to avail the opportunity to celebrate Eid and Independence Day along with it.
PUAN Gwadar organized its reunion on July 29 at the scenic Gurab Beach. Living up to the event’s theme of “Sense of Togetherness and Team Building”, the event brought together our alumni from as far as Turbat, Punjgoor, Pasni, Quetta and Karachi. Additional Deputy Commissioner Gwadar, Mr. Anees Tariq Gorgaij also honoured the event with his presence. Naeem Dilpul, Balochistan’s emerging singing sensation, entertained the participants with his performance.
PUAN Gilgit Chapter’s reunion was held on August 10-11 in Phander Valley and brought together alumni from Gilgit, Astore, Chilas, Hunza and Ghizer. The evening was filled with fun, laughter, celebration and productive discussion for further success and development of the chapter. The PUAN event left all the attendees energised and refreshed to pursue sustainable goals for the development of their communities for the year to come. PUAN Quetta Chapter held its reunion in August with the theme ‘Josh-e-Junoon – The Power of Volunteerism’. Attended by nearly 100 alumni, it highlighted distinguished members and projects that promoted local volunteerism.
The United States government invests more than 4.8 billion rupees annually in exchange programs for Pakistani citizens to study in the United States and over 1,000 Pakistanis participate each year in high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional U.S.-sponsored exchanges. The network is one of the largest and most active USG exchange alumni networks in the world, with more than 29,000 registered members and 13 local chapters throughout Pakistan.
Lisa Heller, Minster Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, said:
“Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network is such a great organization. I am always asked about what PUAN is doing right to work so efficiently. Government-to-government relations have its ups and downs, but it’s pertinent to keep working on strengthening people-to-people ties to ensure cultural and regional peace and prosperity.”
