We’re thrilled to share the latest updates from the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network! Let’s give a quick read to the latest issue of our newsletter to celebrate the achievements of our fellow alumni of various USG programs, updates from our exclusive podcast series and knowing about opportunities of professional and academic growth.
PUAN Perspectives: Interfaith Harmony @ Podcast # 8 Ft. Dr. Qibla Ayaz
Join us for the 8th and final episode in the series of the PUAN Perspectives Podcast, featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Qibla Ayaz, renowned Islamic scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Peshawar University. He is an IVLP alumnus and a member of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court. Dr. Ayaz is also the former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). With a PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Edinburgh, he shares his insights on fostering interfaith harmony in Pakistan In this episode, he discusses the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and the importance of promoting inclusivity and social justice.
Tune in for this powerful discussion on how we can work together to create a more peaceful and harmonious society through interfaith dialogue and collective action.
PUAN Perspectives: Conversation on Women and Transgender Rights @ Podcast # 7 Ft. Uzma Yaqoob
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Uzma Yaqoob, Executive Director of Forums for Dignity Initiatives (FDI) and alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
In the latest episode of our PUAN Perspectives podcast, Uzma dives into the critical issues surrounding women’s and transgender rights in Pakistan. She shares powerful insights on how various factors impact marginalized communities, especially transgender individuals and minority groups.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion about the urgent need for legal reforms, social acceptance, and systemic change to build a more just and equal society.
Amplifying Voices, Taking a Stand: Khumariyaan and PUAN Unite Against Gender-Based Violence
To mark the #16DaysOfActivism, we’re proud to repost this powerful video produced by the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) in collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Pakistan and our Center Stage Alumni band, Khumariyaan This groundbreaking lyrics-based track amplifies the voices of women worldwide and encourages men to take a stand against Gender-Based Violence. The U.S. Mission in Pakistan and Khumariyaan are united in supporting women’s rights and combating violence against women.
AWE Alumna Wins Runners-Up Award at Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards
We’re proud to share that Dr. Madeeha Malik, an AWE Alumna, and her company Cyntax Health Projects PVT LTD have been awarded First Runner-Up in the UN Women 2024 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards under the Gender-Responsive Marketplace category. This honor highlights their dedication to inclusivity, empowering women, and gender-friendly business practices in Pakistan.
Dr. Madeeha credits the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program, supported by the U.S. State Department and U.S. Embassy, for helping shape her entrepreneurial journey since 2021. Read more here.
IVLP Alumna Wagma Launches 16 Days of Activism Campaign Under Gender-Based Violence
PUAN member and IVLP alumna Wagma Feroz launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with The Unheard Scream, a compelling theater performance by her group, SHEZAY, at the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar. The play highlighted the struggles of women and transgender individuals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leaving a profound impact. Wagma, known for her creative advocacy, previously led PUAN’s Girl With a Camera project, empowering 16 young women from Swat to challenge gender norms through filmmaking. Read more here that how Wagma, through her work, continues to inspire, breaking barriers and fostering dialogue to promote equality.
Fulbrighter Dr. Hira Khalid Gets Shortlisted for Häagen-Dazs Rose Project 2024/25
We are proud to share that Dr. Hira Khalid, a US Fulbright alumna Associate Professor at Forman Christian College University, has been shortlisted as one of the Top 50 women for the Häagen-Dazs Rose Project 2024/25. She is the first and only Pakistani woman chosen for this global initiative, which celebrates women making remarkable contributions to society. Dr. Khalid’s achievement highlights her dedication to education, research, and representing Pakistan on an international platform. Congratulations to Dr. Hira Khalid on this incredible honor!
Stay Tuned for Next Episode of Mentor Talks on Connections, Community and International Career
Join Exchange Alumni lon Instagram Live on 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐚.𝐦. 𝐄𝐒𝐓 (09:00 p.m. PST), to hear Fulbright Exchange Alumni Leland Lazarus talk about the keys to building and sustaining communities, navigating an international career, and how we can build connections going into 2024.
Leland is the Associate Director of National Security at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy, and a team member on the Council on Foreign Relations. He’s also a Pickering Fellow and a former Foreign Service Officer who completed tours in China and Barbados, as well as on the China Desk. His Fulbright Program was in Panama.
Fulbright 2026: Apply Now for Graduate Study in the United States
The 2026 Fulbright Student Program is now open for aspiring Pakistanis! This is your opportunity to pursue a Master’s or PhD in the United States with a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition, living expenses, insurance, and airfare.
Check your eligibility and apply today at www.usefp.org. Please note that the application deadline is March 5, 2025! If you have any questions, please reach out at info@usefp.org.
Applications Open for TECHWomen 2025
Are you ready for an adventure across Chicago or the San Francisco Bay Area? #techwomen25 invites women in STEM from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and now Europe (welcome, Albania!) to experience professional mentorship and cultural exchange. Apply now:
https://bit.ly/techwomen25
#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.
