Ready for your next dose of inspiration? The newest edition of the PUAN Fortnightly Newsletter is here! As your dedicated hub for the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, we’re bringing you the latest updates on professional and academic opportunities. Get connected, get informed, and get inspired every two weeks.
Dr. Nudrat Ejaz Piracha, Fulbright PhD Scholar and PUAN Member, Launches Pakistan’s First Online Dispute Resolution Platform with Support from the U.S. Mission and PUAN
Pakistan has entered a new era of digital justice with the launch of its first Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform, led by Dr. Nudrat Ejaz Piracha, a Fulbright PhD scholar (2015–2020) and an active member of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network. Supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network under the PUAN Grants Program theme “Promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening business ties between the United States and Pakistan,” the initiative marks a breakthrough in modernizing the country’s legal and business environment.
For detail story read more here.
PUAN Alumnus Launches Balochistan’s First STEAM & Robotics Lab
The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network proudly celebrates PUAN alumnus Khet Kumar, Co-Founder of RedPi, and Ali Zain Ul Abidin, Atlas Corps Fellow and Co-Founder of the Social Innovation Academy (SIA), for launching Balochistan’s first-ever STEAM & Robotics Lab at Sandeman Higher Secondary School in Quetta—a groundbreaking step toward expanding access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education in the region. Driven by a vision for hands-on, inclusive, and future-focused learning, this initiative marks the beginning of a larger movement to empower young learners across Balochistan. Khet and his team are committed to scaling their impact by establishing more labs and creating opportunities that equip future generations with the skills they need to excel in an evolving world.
For detail story read more here.
PUAN Member Mahhad Nayyer Named IAF Young Space Leader 2025
PUAN member and Purdue Engineering graduate researcher Mahhad Nayyer has been named one of the five Young Space Leaders (YSL) for 2025 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) at its global gathering in Sydney, Australia.
This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding young professionals shaping the future of astronautics through academic excellence, community engagement, and contributions to the international space community.
As part of Purdue’s Aeronautics and Astronautics program, Mahhad focuses on strengthening Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM), critical areas for ensuring safe and sustainable activity in Low Earth Orbit. His research uses analytical models to assess orbital capacity and improve slotting architectures for satellite operations.
For detail story read more here.
PUAN Hosts International Conference on U.S.–Pakistan Synergy in Energy & Mineral Resources
Over 150 experts, industry leaders, scholars, and U.S. exchange alumni came together in Islamabad for the two-day international PUAN conference, “Powering Progress: U.S.–Pakistan Synergy in Energy and Mineral Resources,” organized in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute and supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan. The event explored new avenues for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors. Reflecting on its impact, Heidi Smith, Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy Pakistan, highlighted the power of people-to-people partnerships and the role of U.S. exchange alumni in driving meaningful progress. Participants engaged in high-level plenaries, sustainability-focused breakout sessions, and exposure visits to national institutions including the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, NEECA, SDPI and PIDE, gaining firsthand insights into policy and energy efficiency frameworks. The conference also featured a networking dinner, masterclasses, and technical sessions centered on innovation, policy challenges, and energy transition opportunities. PUAN remains committed to empowering alumni and strengthening U.S.–Pakistan cooperation for sustainable, long-term development.
For detail story read more here.
PUAN Grant Project Equips Islamabad’s Future Educators with AI Skills
PUAN proudly marks the completion of the grant project “AI Training for Preservice Graduate Teachers in Islamabad Universities,” led by Dr. Muhammad Riaz (USAID PhD 2012). Through five focused workshops, 150 faculty members and postgraduate students learned practical skills in AI integration, ethical use, prompt engineering, and innovative lesson planning—reaching over 5,000 more through digital sharing. To build on this impact, Dr. Riaz has also launched the AI Educators Network, connecting teachers and researchers for continued learning and collaboration.
For detail story read more here.
Vacancy Announcement
Join Our Team at EducationUSA Pakistan!
We have a vacancy for an Educational Adviser in Lahore. If you’re a recent graduate or an early-career professional looking to kickstart your career in education, we want to hear from you.
This initial contract will be for six months, with the possibility of extending it to a one-year renewable contract, pending budget approval.
Apply by December 4, 2025.
For the job description and details: here.
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.
Get Ready for 250th Celebrations of U.S. Deceleration of Independence
America 250 is all about the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial, or the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. This monumental event will be a nationwide observance focusing on America’s history, principles, and future. For PUAN members, this presents a unique opportunity to engage in programming and dialogue that reflects on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and innovation that underpin the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. Keep watching this space for special initiatives, public diplomacy events, and discussion forums within the network that will connect your experience to this major American milestone.
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.
