Welcome to a fresh edition of the PUAN Fortnightly Newsletter! Developed by the Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), this issue features the latest alumni achievements, opportunities, and community initiatives from across the network. Catch up on what’s happening, expand your connections, and explore new possibilities, every two weeks in your inbox.
PUAN Reconnect 2026 Launches: Charting New Pathways in Energy & Minerals
Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) brought together senior alumni for PUAN Reconnect 2026, focusing on Pakistan–U.S. collaboration in energy and critical minerals. Key takeaways: U.S. support for business partnerships, early-stage mining, EV integration, AI-driven grids, and regional power connectivity. Unlocking Pakistan’s energy and mineral potential needs transparent policies and strong collaboration. The dialogue wrapped up with Iftar and networking, strengthening ties for a shared future.
PUAN Arranges Grants Writing Workshops at Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore
The Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) held a series of PUAN Grants Workshops on February 17–18, 2026 in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, equipping alumni with the skills to develop impactful community projects and apply for the PUAN Grants Program 2026.
Sessions featured participation from U.S. Mission representatives and PUAN/USEFP staff, who guided alumni on grant fundamentals, proposal writing, funding tracks, and aligning project ideas with mission priorities. The workshops also included interactive discussions and Q&A sessions that helped participants refine their project concepts. Across all three cities, alumni demonstrated strong enthusiasm and engagement, sharing innovative ideas and exploring opportunities to create meaningful community impact through alumni-led initiatives. Read more here.
Freedom 250-Leadership Beyond Borders: How a U.S. Exchange Experience Shaped Dr. Nida Ali’s Global Health Diplomacy
From frontline public health work in Pakistan to advancing global health diplomacy at the United Nations, Dr. Nida Ali’s journey reflects how U.S. exchange experiences shape impactful leadership. As a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Emory University (2021–22), Dr. Ali gained the global perspective and diplomatic skills that now guide her work in elevating viral hepatitis elimination on international policy agendas. Featured under the Freedom 250 Alumni Storytelling Campaign, her story highlights how Pakistan–U.S. exchanges empower professionals to contribute to global solutions and represent Pakistan in international decision-making spaces. Read more here.
Freedom 250: Hammad Anwar Builds Responsible Digital Citizens Through Award-Winning Storytelling
Inspired by the values of innovation, creativity, and leadership gained through his U.S. exchange experience, IVLP 2014 alumnus Hammad Anwar recently won the Most Innovative Grant Award at PUAN’s National Grants Seminar. Through his project Ethical Futures, Hammad is using storytelling to promote ethical technology use and responsible digital citizenship among Pakistan’s youth, reflecting how American excellence in education and innovation continues to create global impact. Read the full Freedom 250 alumni story & watch the documentary 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. Don’t forget that the deadline to apply for PUAN Grants Program 2026 is March 13 @ 02:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time.
Facebook Live Discussion with Successful PUAN Grantees from Previous Cycle
Watch out our recent Live Q&A Session with Successful PUAN Grantees from the Previous Cycle, an interactive opportunity to learn directly from alumni who have successfully secured and implemented PUAN grants. The session aimed to inspire and guide potential applicants for the PUAN Grants Program 2026 by sharing practical insights from alumni who have successfully designed and implemented PUAN-funded projects. During the session, previous grantees discussed their projects, share lessons learned, and offer practical tips to help applicants prepare strong proposals. Participants also gained a better understanding of the different sections of the PUAN Grants application and learn strategies for implementing impactful projects successfully.
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.
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.
