Curated by the Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), this edition of our fortnightly newsletter brings you a vibrant roundup of professional highlights, academic opportunities, and alumni-driven engagements. Stay informed, strengthen your connections, and discover new opportunities, straight to your inbox every two weeks.
USEFP Hosts U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark Pommersheim, Showcasing Strong U.S.–Pakistan Education Ties
USEFP had the honor of hosting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, John Mark Pommersheim, at its headquarters, highlighting the U.S.-Pakistan educational partnership that fosters mutual understanding through exchanges.
During the visit, Mr. Pommersheim was briefed about the exchange programs administered by USEFP, including Fulbright and Humphrey. EducationUSA Pakistan staff shared details about free advising services and information sessions about U.S. universities available for Pakistani students through its three centers. The newly constructed USEFP building also features Lincoln Corner, a public space designed for learning, creativity, and connection.
Call for Applications Now Open: PUAN Grants Program 2026
The Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) Grants Program 2026 is now open, inviting PUAN alumni to apply for competitive funding to lead impactful, alumni-driven projects across Pakistan. The program supports initiatives that apply the knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained through U.S. Government–funded exchange programs to create sustainable, community-focused impact while strengthening U.S.–Pakistan cooperation.
The program offers two grant categories. The Special Themes Grants provide funding of up to PKR 1,500,000 for alumni-led projects that benefit communities, institutions, and professional sectors. The PUAN Connects: Chapter Alumni Engagement grants offer up to PKR 250,000 to support alumni-only engagement activities within PUAN chapters, aimed at strengthening local networks and collaboration. For 2026, applicants must align their proposals with one of the designated themes: Economic Reform, Trade & Investment Readiness; Workforce Readiness for Trade, Technology & Investment; Economic Narratives & Public Understanding; Free Expression, Open Information & Digital Innovation; or Freedom 250 – Community-Based Innovation & U.S. Best Practices. The submission deadline is March 13, 2026, at 02:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time). All applications must be submitted online. Alumni can learn more and apply here.
Virtual Session on Goal, Objectives and Orientation to PUAN Grants Program
To help prospective applicants better understand the PUAN Grants Program 2026, PUAN hosted a Facebook Live session titled “Introduction, Goals and Objectives of PUAN Grants Program” on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 via official Facebook page. The session walked alumni through the program’s purpose, priorities, and application process and provided an opportunity to ask questions in real time. Alumni who were unable to attend are strongly encouraged to visit the PUAN Facebook page to view the recording and stay informed about the application process.
Freedom 250 | Leadership Through Exchange: From Research to Circular Innovation
Ali Raza Shafqat, a Fulbright PhD alumnus (2018), is turning textile and agricultural waste into high performance composite materials through his startup ReComp Solutions. His journey shows how U.S. exchange experiences can drive sustainable manufacturing and green growth in Pakistan. Read more here.
Join the Info Session on U.S. University Admissions with UMass Expert
Gain insights into U.S. university admissions and explore self-funded study pathways for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Join us for an informative session on February 25 at 1:00 pm in Islamabad with Mr. Arbab Naseebullah Kasi, International Academic Director for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at the University of Massachusetts. This interactive session is designed to help you navigate U.S. university admissions. Register here.
PUAN Annual Calendar 2026
PUAN’s 2026 National and Regional Program Calendar outlines a dynamic year of alumni engagement, professional development, and collaboration. Please note the important dates and events which have been scheduled for 2026 i.e., PUAN Grants Program 2026, PUAN Masterclass on E-Commerce and Digital Trade, the National Internship Program, Regional Chapter Reunions across all 14 chapters, the Annual Thematic Conference on U.S.–Pakistan trade and investment, and the PUAN Grants Summit. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected with their regional chapters coordinators and watch for upcoming calls for applications and participation opportunities throughout the year.
Call for Stories: Freedom 250 Alumni Pictorial Stories
To mark 250 years of U.S. leadership and global engagement, the Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) invites alumni to contribute to the Freedom 250 Alumni Storytelling Campaign, a year-long digital initiative showcasing how U.S. exchange experiences are creating real-world impact in Pakistan and beyond. Alumni are encouraged to submit pictorial stories (photos + text) highlighting how U.S.-informed ideas, skills, and values influence their professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or community work. Stories should reflect at least one Freedom 250 theme, such as U.S.–Pakistan economic engagement, innovation and collaboration, people-to-people partnerships, or leadership shaped by exchange experiences, and include a forward-looking call to action.
Submissions should include a written story of 400–500 words, accompanied by 3–4 high-quality photographs that reflect your work, engagement, or impact. Content may be submitted in English or Urdu and must clearly demonstrate a strong connection between your U.S. exchange experience and your current professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or community impact. Send your stories on: pakistanusalumninetwork@gmail.com.
U.S.-Funded TEA Program 2026 Now Accepting Applications
Are you a government school teacher of sciences or mathematics for grades 8-10? If so, consider applying for the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program 2026. This program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, offers an opportunity to spend six weeks in the United States, where you will learn best practices in teaching methodologies and techniques. The application deadline is February 26, 2026. To apply, visit www.usefp.org For queries, email us at tea@usefp.org
Applications Open Now for 2027 Fulbright Student Program
The 2027 Fulbright Student Program is now accepting applications! Fulbright is the U.S. government’s flagship educational exchange program and provides funding for graduate studies, including Master’s or PhD degrees. This covers tuition, required textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. Check your eligibility and apply today at www.usefp.org The application deadline is April 1, 2026! The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all applicants. If you have any questions, please reach out via info@usefp.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.
