Dear PUAN Tribe,
Over the past two weeks, the Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network has continued to showcase the strength of alumni leadership, innovation, and community impact. From the launch of several PUAN Grants initiatives to celebrating entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and alumni achievements, our network continues to create meaningful opportunities and drive positive change across Pakistan.
Community Innovation Lab Launches under PUAN Grants to Empower Youth with U.S.-Inspired Innovation and Entrepreneurship Skills
The Community Innovation Lab: Youth Solutions for Local Challenges Inspired by U.S. Best Practices has officially launched in Islamabad under the PUAN Grants Program. Implemented by Afsha Jehan (English Works 2021–22 alumna), the 16-week initiative will equip 40 young leaders with practical skills in innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking through mentorship from PUAN alumni and U.S.-inspired innovation approaches. The launch featured Ms. Marta Aparicio, Public Diplomacy Officer, Alumni Programs Manager, U.S. Mission Islamabad, while Muhammad Ishfaq (English Works 2021–22 alumnus) introduced the project as Project Coordinator. Participants also benefited from sessions led by PUAN mentor Jamil Adil (IVLP 2012). Read more here about Afsha’s grant here.
PUAN Grant Launches Initiative to Strengthen Responsible Digital Journalism and AI Literacy in Pakistan
As AI transforms the way information is created and shared, strengthening ethical journalism and digital verification skills has never been more important.
Through the PUAN Grants Program, Dr. Ayesha Ashfaq, an alumna of the U.S.-Pakistan University Partnership Program, has launched “Digital Trust and Free Expression in the AI Era” to equip early-career journalists and media students with practical skills in AI verification, fact-checking, and responsible digital storytelling. Supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with PUAN, the initiative reflects how U.S. exchange alumni are applying their expertise to promote responsible digital innovation and strengthen Pakistan’s information ecosystem. Read more on PUAN website.
PUAN Connect Grant Leads Conversation on Responsible AI and Digital Ethics
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate and using it responsibly has never been more important. Through the PUAN Connect Grants Program, Abdul Ahad Qureshi (Global UGRAD Spring 2024 alumnus) brought together over 30 PUAN Islamabad Chapter alumni for “AI for Society: Alumni Dialogue on Awareness, Ethics & the Future.” Participants explored Pakistan’s evolving AI landscape, digital trust, media literacy, deepfakes, and AI ethics while discussing how alumni can promote responsible innovation and informed digital citizenship in their communities. Read more here.
PUAN Connect Grant Strengthens Investment Readiness and Transparent Trade Practices in Swat
Young entrepreneurs, SMEs, and students in Swat came together through the Swat Investment Readiness Initiative (SIRI), a PUAN Connect Grant supported by the U.S. Mission in Pakistan in partnership with PUAN. Led by SUSI 2019 alumnus Asif Javid, the initiative equipped participants with practical knowledge on transparent business practices, investment readiness, and export opportunities to help local enterprises compete in broader markets and strengthen U.S.–Pakistan commercial linkages. Read more about Javaid’s grant here.
Freedom 250: Faryal Kehkashan is Connecting Pakistan’s Mountain Artisans to Global Markets Through Innovation
Faryal Kehkashan is turning her U.S. exchange experience into a social enterprise that connects Pakistan’s mountain artisans with global markets. A STEM Sisters alumna and participant of the PUAN Masterclass 2026, she is using innovation, digital trade, and entrepreneurship to preserve cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods for women artisans. Read more here.
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 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!
