Dear PUAN Tribe,
Welcome to the latest edition of PUAN Voices, bringing you highlights, opportunities, and updates from across the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network. This fortnight, we spotlight alumni-led initiatives, exchange program activities, professional development opportunities, and stories of impact from across Pakistan. Read on to discover how PUAN members and partners continue to turn their exchange experiences into meaningful action in their professions and communities.
Eight Pakistani Professionals Set for Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship in the U.S.
USEFP hosted a pre-departure orientation for the 2026 cohort of Hubert H. Humphrey Program Fellows, as eight accomplished mid-career professionals from Pakistan prepare to begin a year of graduate-level non-degree study and professional development in the United States. Representing fields including public health policy and management, economic policy and finance, educational administration, law and human rights, and technology policy and management, the fellows will pursue their programs at leading U.S. institutions, including Emory University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), American University, and the University of California, Davis, followed by professional affiliations. During the orientation, Heather Murphy, Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy Islamabad highlighted the significance of the Humphrey Fellowship and encouraged the fellows to use their U.S. experience to strengthen their leadership and contribute to meaningful policy change upon their return to Pakistan. The fellowship provides participants with opportunities to expand their professional expertise, build networks, and gain practical experience that can support their continued contributions in their respective fields.
PUAN Grant Peshawar Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) Concludes with Startup Pitch Day, Advancing Workforce Readiness and Innovation
The Peshawar Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) has successfully concluded with its Startup Pitch Day and Closing Ceremony, marking the culmination of a 10-week accelerator led by Subhash Chander, a 2024 International Exchange and Leadership Program (IELP) alumnus at the Meridian International Center, United States. Supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan through the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and implemented with the Business Incubation Center, University of Peshawar, the program equipped aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills in entrepreneurship, AI, digital business, mentorship, and investment readiness. At the closing ceremony, Heather C. Murphy, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, encouraged participants to leverage innovation and entrepreneurship to create jobs, embrace emerging technologies, and strengthen Pakistan’s growing private sector. Read more about PEP PUAN Grant here.
PUAN Connect Grant Strengthens Responsible Digital Dialogue and Media Literacy in Gilgit-Baltistan
A diverse group of 36 journalists, educators, media students, digital creators, and youth leaders gathered in Gahkuch, Ghizer, on July 27, 2026, for “Digital Dialogue: Empowering Youth through Free Expression and Open Information,” an alumni-led initiative supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan through the PUAN Connect Grants Program 2026. Organized by Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program alumnus and PUAN Gilgit Chapter member Arshad Baig, the workshop equipped participants with practical knowledge of responsible digital engagement, ethical journalism, media literacy, digital citizenship, and free expression. Interactive sessions also explored how participants can critically evaluate online information, identify and respond to adversarial propaganda, create responsible digital content, and encourage constructive public dialogue. Representatives of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan and USEFP joined virtually, highlighting the value of alumni-led initiatives in expanding digital literacy and building resilience against manipulation in the information space. The workshop encouraged participants to apply these skills within their communities and use digital platforms responsibly to support informed dialogue and community engagement. Read more here.
PUAN Grant Concludes Institutional Training Phase with Workforce Readiness Program at NUML Quetta
A PUAN Grants Program initiative supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan has successfully completed its institution-based training phase in Quetta, concluding with its fifth and final two-day workshop at NUML Quetta Campus on July 23–24, 2026. Led by U.S.-Pakistan University Partnership Program (2017) alumnus Dr. Furqan Ul Haq Siddiqui, the project “Empowering Balochistan’s Youth: Bridging Workforce Skills with Trade, Technology and Entrepreneurship” has delivered capacity-building trainings across five institutions; the University of Balochistan, BUITEMS, Government College of Commerce, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, and NUML Quetta. The final workshop engaged around 50 students in practical learning focused on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, e-commerce, professional communication, market linkages, and investment readiness. With the institutional training phase complete, students from all five institutions will now have an opportunity to put their learning into practice through an Inter-Institution Business Idea Competition planned for the second half of August, where shortlisted teams will pitch innovative and commercially viable ideas before a panel of experts. Through practical workforce development and entrepreneurship training, the initiative is helping prepare Balochistan’s young people to pursue emerging opportunities in trade, technology, business, and the digital economy. Read more here.
PUAN Grant Equips Gilgit-Baltistan’s Workforce with AI Skills for the Future of Work
A PUAN Grants Program initiative led by Professional Fellows Program (2015) alumnus Shaan Khan is equipping youth and professionals in Gilgit-Baltistan with practical Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI skills for the rapidly evolving digital economy. Supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan and implemented through SDA Technology Hub in Danyore, the four-month “Build AI Skills for Tomorrow, Today” project aims to train more than 100 students, freelancers, professionals, and entrepreneurs in integrating AI into real-world workflows. Its professional tracks are currently training 50 participants in AI-powered UI/UX design and AI for accounting and business operations, while the inaugural Teen AI Bootcamp engaged 25 students aged 13–18, who developed 14 functional digital solutions, including 12 already deployed online, addressing areas such as employment, tourism, indigenous languages, energy, and local commerce. Through hands-on training, mentorship, portfolio development, and industry engagement, the initiative is helping participants strengthen productivity, employability, freelancing prospects, and entrepreneurial capabilities while preparing Gilgit-Baltistan’s emerging workforce to compete in an increasingly AI-enabled global marketplace. Read more here.
Freedom 250: Ushna Abid is Empowering Young Changemakers Through Civic Leadership and Global Collaboration
Ushna Abid is turning her U.S. exchange experience into youth leadership, civic engagement, and global collaboration. An Access Microscholarship Program alumna and Founder of Civic Atlas Initiatives, she is empowering young people through education, cross-cultural dialogue, and student-led initiatives that create meaningful community impact. Read more about Ushna’s work here.
YES Program Alumni Return to Pakistan
The latest cohort of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program has returned to Karachi after completing their exchange experience in the United States. During their time in the U.S., the students attended American schools, lived with host families, participated in community service, and shared Pakistani culture with their host communities. They return to Pakistan with new skills, perspectives, and experiences that can support their continued academic growth, leadership, and contributions to their communities.
Apply Now to Join USEFP Team as Director Operations
The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) is inviting applications for the senior leadership position of Director Operations. The role will provide strategic leadership and overall management of USEFP’s administrative, security, procurement, facilities, and operational functions, while maintaining close coordination with the Technical/Facility Management Firm. Applicants should preferably hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resource Management, or a related field, along with relevant professional certifications, and have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, operations, facilities management, procurement, and logistics, including a minimum of three years in a senior management role. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience in developing administrative, procurement, and security systems; managing budgets and compliance; and leading diverse teams. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by August 25, 2026. For more info and to apply, visit the website.
Update Your Profiles to Be Part of Exciting Opportunities Coming Up Next at PUAN
As PUAN continues to expand opportunities for alumni across Pakistan, we invite all members to take a few minutes to review and update their profiles on the PUAN alumni portal. Keeping your profile updated is essential to ensure you remain eligible for upcoming programs. It also helps us better connect you with opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and professional goals. With a network of over 45,000 alumni, PUAN is committed to creating meaningful engagement and impact, but this starts with having accurate and up-to-date information from our members. Updating your PUAN profiles also helps us connect you with initiatives that best match your skills, interests, and professional goals. It also enhances your visibility within the alumni network and ensures that you receive timely updates and important communications. We encourage all alumni to log in to the PUAN portal today and make sure their information is complete and up to date, your next opportunity with PUAN could be just one update away. Click here to update your information on PUAN Alumni Portal.
Lincoln Corners Pakistan
Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the U.S. Embassy and local institutions across Pakistan, serving as American-style cultural and educational centers. They are multi-media resource hubs offering access to reliable information about the United States, American English teaching and learning, strategic cultural programs, professional skills building, and resources for U.S. higher education. We encourage all PUAN alumni to promote these Corners! They provide WiFi and internet access for visitors and engage local audiences through meaningful programs. Visit the website of Lincoln Corners for the Corner nearest you.
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!
