Ready for your next dose of inspiration and opportunity? The latest PUAN Fortnightly Newsletter is here! Your essential link to the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, this edition brings you a curated selection of high-value professional, academic, and engagement opportunities designed especially for our alumni community. Stay informed, expand your network, and discover new possibilities, delivered straight to you every two weeks.
PUAN Hosts First-Ever National Grants Seminar Showcasing Alumni-Led Community Impact Across Pakistan
PUAN hosted its first-ever National Grants Seminar, bringing together 11 alumni grantees from across Pakistan to present exchange-inspired projects driving community impact. Held in collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, the seminar featured brief project pitches evaluated by a judging panel, with opening remarks by Peter Moran of United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan and Marta Aparicio of U.S. Embassy Pakistan, highlighting alumni-led ethical and sustainable local action. Outstanding projects were recognized, and the event closed with remarks by Alexandra Fleury, SCA Regional Alumni Coordinator, celebrating alumni for turning exchange experiences into meaningful change nationwide. Read more here.
Celebrating Collaboration: PUAN Alumni from Quetta and Gwadar Connect with U.S. Consul General at Annual Reunion
Charles Goodman, U.S. Consul General, hosted alumni of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) from Quetta and Gwadar for an evening that celebrated the strength of U.S.–Pakistan educational exchanges and the growing impact of Balochistan’s dynamic alumni community. The gathering brought together innovators, educators, and professionals from across the province, reflecting the diversity and depth of PUAN’s network. Alumni shared insights drawn from their academic and professional journeys, highlighting how U.S. exchange experiences continue to contribute to cooperation in key areas such as trade, technology, entrepreneurship, and community development. The event underscored the vital role PUAN alumni play in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering meaningful collaboration between Pakistan and the United States. As new opportunities emerge, alumni from Balochistan remain essential partners in shaping a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future. Read more here.
PUAN North AJK Chapter Reunites to Celebrate Alumni Impact and Exchange Journeys
PUAN North AJK Chapter held its Annual Chapter Reunion, bringing together around 80 alumni to celebrate shared journeys and the impact of exchange programs. The gathering featured remarks by Peter Moran and Mazhar Q. Awan of the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan, while Natalie A. Baker, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, addressed alumni virtually. Nasir Jamal Khattak shared his Fulbright journey, inspiring alumni with reflections on leadership and growth. Read more here.
PUAN Alumna Sonal Dhanani Honored in Geneva for Defending Freedom of Expression Online
PUAN proudly celebrates alumna Sonal Dhanani, recipient of the Individual Award for Defending Freedom of Expression Online by the Geneva Centre for Human Rights and Dialogue. A graduate of the Emerging Leaders of Pakistan (ELP) Program, Sonal has been instrumental in advancing inclusive digital civic spaces in Pakistan through the Parindey Wellbeing & Development Foundation. Sonal’s work empowers youth, women, and marginalized communities through initiatives in civic dialogue, peacebuilding, mental health advocacy, and climate justice. Representing Pakistan at the award ceremony in Geneva, Sonal exemplified how digital innovation can strengthen democratic participation. PUAN is proud to see its alumni champion freedom of expression on global platforms. Read more here.
Tribute to Dr. Shamshad Akhtar: Fulbright Scholar and Pioneer of Economic Reform
USEFP and PUAN extend thier deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, a Fulbright Scholar and a leader in Pakistan’s economic and public service sector. Dr. Akhtar was the first woman to serve as Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and the first woman elected as Chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Board.
Education USA Islamabad Opens New Advising Corner at Lincoln Corner Islamabad
EducationUSA Islamabad inaugurated a new advising corner at Lincoln Corners Pakistan, located within the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). Open from December 23–25, 2025, the corner offered in-person, free advising sessions where registered students received step-by-step guidance on studying in the United States, from university selection to the application process, providing valuable support to prospective applicants.
Accepting Applications for Tech Girls 2026
The Applications for Tech Girls 2026 are now open. Till January 20th at 12PM ET, you can submit your application to be a part of the next cohort of TechGirls! For more information and to find the application form, head over to techgirlsglobal.org.
Lincoln Corners Pakistan
Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the U.S. Embassy and local institutions across Pakistan, serving as American-style cultural and information centers. They are multi-media resource hubs offering access to reliable information about the U.S., English language learning, and a venue for cultural programs and open dialogue. PUAN members are strongly encouraged to utilize these centers for networking, hosting alumni events, accessing eLibraryUSA research databases, and connecting with local communities. We encourage all PUAN alumni to actively make use of these Corners! They are ideal venues for networking, hosting alumni-led activities, conducting training sessions, accessing eLibraryUSA research databases, and engaging with local communities through meaningful programs. Visit the website of Lincoln Corners to find the Corner nearest you and explore collaboration possibilities.
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!
Send Us Your Recent Publications
At PUAN, we are continually inspired by the incredible work that U.S. exchange alumni have been doing. The dedication and contributions of our alumni are making a significant impact, and we are proud to have you all as part of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). We would love to hear about your recent accomplishments. If you have published an op-ed, journal article, news piece, or any other work in the past three months, please let us know by filling out this quick questionnaire. Additionally, we encourage you to keep us informed of your future publications by emailing us at info@puan.pk. Your continued support and engagement are vital to the success of PUAN, and we are grateful for your contributions. Please note that the compilation of alumni publications is a recurring activity. Therefore, we kindly request that you avoid submitting the same information more than once.
