PUAN Voices: Fortnightly Newsletter , June 01-14 2024

Another inspiring fortnight has come to a close, and we’re thrilled to share the latest updates from the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network! From upcoming visit to Nepal for EIMUN to empowering workshops, from country project updates to heartwarming reunions, our alumni are continuing to connect, collaborate, and create positive change. Dive into the latest issue of our newsletter to celebrate the achievements of fellow alumni, discover upcoming events, and stay informed about the exciting initiatives shaping U.S.-Pakistan relations.

Eight PUAN Alumni to Participate in EIMUN at Nepal this June

This year, our eight highly competitive alumni will be taking part in the Everest International Model United Nations-2024 ‘Where Diversity Meets Diplomacy’ happening at Kathmandu, U.S. Embassy, Nepal from June 24-28.
The PUAN delegates include:
1. Ms. Ayesha Hassan, English Access alumna, Islamabad
2. Mr. Aamir Iqbal, English Works alumnus, Islamabad
3. Mr. Vinash Madan, Access Summer Camp alumnus, Bahawalpur
4. Ms. Saleha Azeem, Summer Sisters alumna, Lahore.
5. Ms. Feeha Riaz, English Access alumna, Peshawar
6. Ms. Jamaima Afridi, SUSI alumna, Peshawar
7. Mr. Syed Saad Zafar, IWP BTL alumnus, Karachi
8. Ms. Farwa Batool, OPEN alumna, Quetta
Let’s wish them best of luck! Go team Pakistan and just rock the forum!


PUAN Celebrates 20 Years of Access in Pakistan Through Grand Reunion

Access to English opens a world of opportunity. The United States celebrated 20 years of the English Access Scholarship Program in Pakistan in collaboration with PUAN which has been led by Urooj Haider from Vision Building Future. Since its launch in 2004, the Access program has helped more than 27,000 Pakistani students from diverse backgrounds build English and leadership skills – including students who might otherwise be overlooked or underserved. Ambassador Donald Blome celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the program by gracing the occasion with more than 300 Access alumni and students in the Islamabad region. “Access – Pakistan, U.S. dosti ka naam” was the theme rightly given to these celebration. It was a jam-packed gathering of aspiring Access alumni and instructors. The meet-up was all about presentations, personal journeys as agents of change, panel talks, cultural depiction of various areas of Pakistan, cake cutting ceremony and celebrations. Find more about the reunion proceedings here.

Empowering Sessions for Youth of South AJK Chapter

Imagine a young student in Mirpur, South AJK region of Pakistan Kashmir, having all the potential and energies but lacking the right direction and tools to tap into the booming digital world. Considering that this has been a unfortunate reality for many of the youngsters of this region, the chapter leadership recently conducted a workshop on digital literacy and entrepreneurship. Recognizing the critical role digital skills play in today’s job market, the sessions aimed to bridge the gap for aspiring students and young professionals. Find more about the event proceedings here.

YES Alumnus Israr Gets Elected President of Oxford Union

Our YES alum Israr Khan has been elected Oxford Union President for Hilary Term 2025 with 617 first preferences, winning by a significant margin. He is pursuing a DPhil in Law at Regent’s Park College and served as the Union’s Chief of Staff. He is first student from Balochistan and 3rd from Pakistan to be elected for this prestigious position. A big shout out and round of applause for him.

Gwadar Youth Receives Career Counselling and Orientation on USG Programs

Our Exchange Ambassadors not only give awareness to youth groups of their chapter about U.S. Government funded scholarships and opportunities but also provide them career counselling for choosing the right path. Catch Muhammad Nadeem, Gwadar Chapter’s Exchange Ambassador and TEA alumnus in action who keeps arranging such informative sessions in his communities.

#PUANCountryProject: Karachi Chapter Hosts a Workshop

PUAN Karachi chapter recently hosted an impactful workshop at PACC for over 100 participants. The event kicked off with a welcome note from Dr. Farhan Essa, PUAN Karachi Chapter President, followed by an insightful training session from Shamim Rajani, COO at Genetech Solutions. A lively panel discussion featured sectoral experts who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and the role of digital literacy. Find more about the event proceedings here.

Jamshoro Chapter Arranges Workshop on Digital Literacy and Entrepreneurship

PUAN Jamshoro Chapter recently hosted a dynamic training at the National Incubation Center, Hyderabad, for over 60 participants. Led by Shahzad Hussain and Madiha Fatima, the event focused on digital literacy and entrepreneurship. Highlights include inspiring talks, practical workshops on CV writing & resume building, and networking sessions. The day ended with an award distribution ceremony, leaving attendees empowered with new skills for economic growth. Find more about the workshop proceedings here.

#PUANCountryProject: Economic Prosperity Through Digital Literacy

PUAN Central Punjab Chapter recently hosted a session on “Economic Prosperity through Digital Literacy & Entrepreneurship” under PUAN Country Project 2024. We had an incredible lineup of speakers and panelists, including Uzair Shahid, Hammad Khalique, Fouad Bajwa, Aun Raza, and Kanwal Malik. Over 80 participants engaged in dynamic discussions, exploring digital literacy’s role in today’s market and how entrepreneurship fuels economic growth. The energy and collaborative spirit were truly inspiring. Learn more that how our Central Punjab is making difference.

Climate Change Quest Concludes at Altit Hunza

On June 9th, PUAN hosted “Climate Change Quest” in Altit Hunza! Dozens of participants, including students and girl guides’, engaged in climate education and brainstormed projects like cleanliness drives and tree planting. The event ended with a pledges to commit to climate action locally. Together, we’re building a sustainable future for Gilgit-Baltistan!

Baltistan Chapter Empowers Skardu Entrepreneurs

Under Country Project, chapter leadership arranged a workshop in Skardu recently focusing on taking businesses online. We heard from inspiring speakers like Ms. Mehwish, CEO of Intellectual Rush, and E-Commerce expert Mr. Syed Qaid Hussain. The panelists shared how digital skills can unlock new opportunities for Skardu’s entrepreneurs.

Empowering Change at the 5th Annual Humphrey Alumni Conference!

In May, around 100 Humphrey alumni from diverse backgrounds came together in Islamabad to share their impactful ideas, research, and experiences driving positive change in society. Focusing on the theme of social responsibility, they emphasized the significance of public-centric policing, the role of education, investment in women’s empowerment projects, and digital transformation to promote diversity. Together, we can make a difference. Hit the link to watch the video.

#OpportunityAlert: Applications Open for CEE 2025

Join a global network of young leaders in over 100 countries who are driving change at a local level in the areas of Youth Engagement, Environmental sustainability, Women and Gender Issues, Civic Dialogue, Peace Building, and Open and Participatory Government. Go to bit.ly/CEElearnmore and apply today to strengthen your leadership capacity, network with established community leaders, and tap into a community engagement ecosystem that can help you make an even greater impact.

#UpcomingAlumniReunions: Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Meet-ups

Lots of Annual Chapter Reunions are on your way allowing the alumni to revive connections and celebrate shared achievements. Please note the dates and get in touch with you respective chapter coordinators by clicking here.

  • PUAN ISB Chapter: 7 July, 2024
  • PUAN KP Chapter: 5-8 July, 2024
  • PUAN Gilgit Chapter Reunion: June 29, 2024
  • PUAN Karachi Chapter – End of July
  • PUAN Gawadar Chapter: End of July
  • PUAN South Punjab-Mid of July

#PositionsVacant: Job Opportunities at Embassy and Consulates

U.S. Mission Pakistan is an equal-opportunity employer seeking eligible & qualified applicants for full-time positions. To view the vacant positions accepting applications, please visit the website. Note: Please note that under no circumstances PUAN can or will influence the process of hiring. Therefore, reaching out to the concerned via the link is advisable.

Keep an eye on our socials i.e. Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn for more updates.

Facebook Comments Box