Over 800 alumni of the U.S. Educational and Professional Exchange programs gathered with great enthusiasm for their annual flagship event, “Chapter Reunion 2023,” held at the PC Hotel Karachi over the weekend. U.S. Consul General Conrad Tribble, recognizing the significance of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), praised it as a vital platform consisting of 39,000 members across 14 chapters throughout Pakistan. PUAN plays a pivotal role in fostering people-to-people relationships and strengthening ties between Pakistan and the United States. Mr. Tribble also expressed his admiration for the diverse activities organized by the PUAN Karachi chapter.
In his welcome address, Mr. Mushtaq Sarki, President of the PUAN Karachi Chapter, highlighted the progress achieved under his leadership. These achievements included hosting Iftar dinners, organizing sports tournaments, distributing gifts to special-needs children during Eid celebrations, and conducting discussions on critical topics like climate change. Mr. Sarki expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Consulate for their continuous support and guidance in executing PUAN activities.
With a diverse membership base, the event aimed to cater to the interests of all groups. It featured performances of English and folk songs representing the cultures of all provinces for the youth, recognition awards for the most senior PUAN members, and awards for dynamic young leaders. The distinguished seniors who received awards included Fawzia Siddiqui, Barrister Shahida Jamil, Khadim Hussain Rind, Nizam-ud-Nizamani, Javed Sadiq, Raza Mohsin, Dr. Lubna Ayub, Dr. Asma Ibrahim, Dr. Farhan Abdullah Essa, Mehreen Masood, and Asma Shaheen. Among the awardees in the youth category were Rahmeen Urooj, Taimoor Khan, and others.
The event was graced by notable celebrities from the Showbiz industry, including Dr. Shaista Lodhi and Hiba Bukhari. It concluded with a resolute commitment to continue working for the betterment of society through the promotion of education, strengthening cultural bonds, and creating opportunities for growth. Dr. Sarah Gill, Pakistan’s first transgender doctor, and Sarah Ahmed took on the role of MC (Masters of Ceremony).
