Day 2 of the PUAN Economic Policy Challenge 2026, supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, put the work of ten teams before the jury as participants presented policy roadmaps developed through two days of analysis, prioritization, and implementation planning. Their pitches addressed ten areas of Pakistan’s economic landscape: foreign investment, trade and export competitiveness, taxation, energy security, AI and technology, institutional reform, capital allocation, Pakistan’s global brand, long-term economic planning, and investor confidence.
Drawing on American excellence, professional practices, ideas, and perspectives encountered through their U.S. exchange experiences, participants translated complex economic policy questions into practical, evidence-informed recommendations adapted to Pakistan’s context.
Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim Andy Halus, U.S. Embassy Pakistan closed the Challenge, marking the U.S. Freedom 250 anniversary and reflecting on the ten policy areas teams tackled, from investment to institutional reform. “Two hundred fifty years ago, a small group of people bet on a bold idea and built a nation. This week, I watched alumni make that same kind of bet on Pakistan’s economic future,” he said.
Federal Minister and Board of Investment Chairman Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh also joined, underscoring the importance of connecting policy thinking to Pakistan’s investment priorities.
Following jury assessment, the results were announced and the winning teams were recognized with awards and certificates. The program also heard reflections from the winning teams as two days of intensive policy analysis, collaboration, and exchange came to a close. The approved program confirms the jury assessment, results, awards, and closing remarks as part of Day 2.
Implemented in partnership with Accountability Lab Pakistan, the Challenge provided a platform for U.S. exchange alumni to put their exchange learning and professional expertise to work on economic questions that matter for Pakistan.
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