The latest edition of PUAN’s fortnightly newsletter is now live! Dive into inspiring alumni highlights, stay informed with the latest community updates, and explore exciting new opportunities for academic advancement and professional development. Whether you’re looking to reconnect, grow your network, or take the next step in your ladder of professional development, this issue brings you everything happening across the vibrant Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network. Don’t miss out!
Alumni Come Together for PUAN Annual South Punjab Reunion
At the recent South Punjab Reunion, exceptional alumni of U.S. exchange programs came together to reconnect and reflect on their journeys. During the gathering, they shared with CG Hawkins how they are applying the knowledge and connections gained through their U.S. experiences to empower youth, promote entrepreneurship, foster safer communities, and create meaningful change in their local areas. Their continued impact is a powerful reminder of the lasting value of exchange programs and the strength of the PUAN community.
PUAN Hosts Memorable Baltistan Chapter Alumni Reunion in Skardu
The majestic mountains of Skardu recently became a hub of inspiration, innovation, and connection as over 40 U.S. exchange alumni came together for the PUAN Baltistan Chapter Annual Reunion 2025. The event, supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, celebrated the incredible impact of alumni in fields like education, climate action, tech, and cultural preservation. Kelly Ryan, Deputy Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad and a Fulbright alumnus, shared heartfelt remarks, calling the alumni “part of a global network of the brightest minds.” From powerful transformation stories to bold new ventures like Baltistan’s own tech startup scene, the reunion reflected PUAN’s spirit of lifelong learning, leadership, and community building. Read more here.
UGRAD Changed Her in Ways She Never Imagined, Says Andleeb
From waiting at the college gate to walking through U.S. airports alone! “I had never even taken a rickshaw by myself… and then UGRAD sent me across the world.” Rani Andleeb Hussain’s UGRAD journey turned fear into confidence, and a dream into impact from studying at the University of Kansas to setting up a library in her village school. “UGRAD didn’t just change where I studied, it changed how I see myself.” Read more here.
PUAN Connects in Action: Strengthening Mansehra’s Startup Ecosystem
PUAN Connects in Action! PUAN alumnus Muhammad Hussain Amin brought young entrepreneurs and industry leaders together in Mansehra through his project “Bridging Young Entrepreneurs with Industry Leaders.” Participants gained practical insights into startup financing, incubation, and institutional support from Tech Valley Pakistan and the Mansehra Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “I left the event more confident and connected,” said Junaid Nawaz, an Access alumnus. Read more here.
Khet Kumar Selected as Global Leader for Young Children 2024–2025
Congratulations to Khet Kumar (Global UGRAD Spring 2015) for being named a Global Leader for Young Children 2024–2025 by the World Forum Foundation! Founder of RedPi, Khet is transforming classrooms through AI, STEAM, and Robotics labs across Pakistan, the UK, and Canada. His Future Ready Framework and Teacher AI Literacy Program are empowering schools and educators to embrace innovation. We’re proud to see PUAN alumni leading global change in education! Read more here.
From Poona to the USA: Saira Rafiq-A Beacon of Hope and Determination
From a small village in AJK to the University of Nebraska, USA, Saira Rafiq is leading change in education with heart and purpose. A teacher, school head, and mental health advocate, Saira’s journey shows the power of persistence. After completing the prestigious TEA Program 2022, she returned home to launch a well-being project in her community and continues to teach English while mentoring others. She now takes part in global learning programs, including a TESOL course from the University of Maryland, proving that no dream is out of reach.
Returnees of YES Program Receive Warm Welcome
Public Affairs Officer U.S. Consulate General Peshawar Rob Tate welcomed newly returned Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, the Study of U.S. Institutes (SUSI), and the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) alumni at the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar today for a great talk about how they are applying their experiences to their future career, their communities, and to bringing our countries closer together. They also discussed professional and educational opportunities for young people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, such as the Fulbright scholarship, which is celebrating 75 years of successes in Pakistan. Please follow for news and information on all these opportunities.
Lincoln Corners Pakistan Launches New Website
Lincoln Corners Pakistan now has a new home online. Whether you’ve visited a Corner before or are just curious, this website is designed for you. From upcoming events and inspiring stories to useful resources, it’s your digital space to explore learning, creativity, and meaningful U.S.–Pakistan connections.
You can now check out what’s happening at Corners across the country, discover new opportunities, and find your nearest Lincoln Corner, all in one place. Visit us at www.lincolncornerspakistan.com and start exploring today.
Call for Applications: Fulbright Foreign Language Teacher Assistant (FLTA) Program 2026
Opportunity for Aspiring English Language Teachers!
The Fulbright Foreign Language Teacher Assistant (FLTA) Program 2026 invites young English language teachers to apply! This program offers the opportunity to teach Urdu or Pashto at a university in the United States while simultaneously enhancing your teaching skills and professional experience.
The application deadline is Thursday, July 31, 2025! For more information and to submit your application, visit www.usefp.org. Have questions? Email us at flta@usefp.org.
Call for Applications-Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
We’re Hiring! Education USA Pakistan has a vacancy for an Educational Adviser in Islamabad. This entry-level role is ideal for recent grads or early-career professionals with strong English skills, public speaking experience, and a passion for U.S. higher education. U.S./international degree or experience preferred.
This is an entry-level position suitable for recent graduates or early-career professionals. Apply by August 5, 2025. For the job description and details on how to apply, click here:
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.
