Ready for your next source of inspiration and opportunity? The newest PUAN Fortnightly Newsletter has landed! As your essential connection to the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, we’ve curated the latest, high-value professional and academic opportunities just for you. Connect. Inform. Inspire. Get your dose of updates and insights every two weeks.
A New Chapter Begins: USEFP Marks 75 Years with New Islamabad Building
Last week marked a significant milestone for the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) as we celebrated 75 years of building educational bridges between Pakistan and the United States, and opened the doors to the brand new USEFP building in Islamabad. The new space reflects USEFP’s enduring commitment to supporting students, strengthening exchange programs, and deepening U.S.–Pakistan cooperation through education. We are proud to celebrate this achievement alongside our partners, alumni, and colleagues who have been part of this remarkable journey. As we honor 75 years of impact, we look ahead with renewed purpose, continuing our mission of creating meaningful connections and expanding opportunities through educational exchange.
PUAN Alumni Dinner Reception: Sharing Exchange Program Impact Stories
PUAN recently hosted alumni networking dinner at the newly inaugurated United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) building at Islamabad, bringing together around 35 U.S. exchange program alumni from diverse professional backgrounds. Alumni shared firsthand accounts of how their exchange experiences have shaped their professional journeys and contributed to positive change across academia, law, government, the private sector, STEM, social cohesion and others. The evening featured engaging interactions with senior U.S. Mission officials, including Sherry Keneson-Hall, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau; Shelly Seaver, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs; and Andy Halaus, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at U.S. Embassy Pakistan. Alumni and American officers exchanged ideas, explored opportunities for networking, and discussed potential avenues for future collaboration, highlighting the enduring impact of U.S.–Pakistan exchange programs and strong people-to-people ties. For more photos, visit here.
KP Alumni Gather for Annual Chapter Reunion at Peshawar
Consul General Thomas Eckert spoke virtually to over 150 impressive alumni at the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reunion, celebrating the power of alumni networks and the transformative impact of U.S. exchange programs. Inspiring alumni shared how their exchanges in the U.S. are driving positive change in their communities, bringing our nations closer together and helping to make us stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
Research, Resilience and Renewal: The Story of Hira Sarwar
Hira Sarwar’s journey into critical minerals and renewable energy is driven by one goal: helping Pakistan grow sustainably while empowering communities. As Editor in Chief of World Affairs Insider, she uplifts young writers and women from remote regions by giving them a platform to be heard.
Her research on cultural diplomacy, climate innovation and responsible resource governance has earned recognition from ISSI, Youth Parliament Punjab, UNITAR and international forums. She has also led climate smart solutions like moisture control sheets to reduce post harvest losses and create livelihoods for women.
Hira’s resilience is at the heart of her story. Diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer during her AWE Fellowship, she continued her research, completed her book and even presented a paper the day after chemotherapy. Today, she advocates for early detection and for putting human well being at the center of sustainable development. Read more here.
Accepting Applications for Tech Girls 2026
The Applications for Tech Girls 2026 are now open. Till January 20th at 12PM ET, you can submit your application to be a part of the next cohort of TechGirls! For more information and to find the application form, head over to techgirlsglobal.org.
Vacancy Announcement
Vacancy Announcement: Director, EducationUSA Pakistan Advising – Islamabad. EducationUSA Pakistan is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to serve as the Director of EducationUSA Advising in Islamabad. The successful candidate will lead the advising team, oversee program operations, and promote U.S. higher education opportunities in Pakistan. Candidates should have significant experience in education management, strong leadership skills, and a passion for international education.
Application deadline: December 25, 2025.
For a detailed job description and application instructions, visit 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.
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.
