Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network

From a passion for painting to building an internationally focused creative business, Nomail Maryum is using art, entrepreneurship, and digital trade to create new opportunities.
A member of the PUAN KP Chapter and alumna of the Global Online Course 2023, she runs Nomail Artistary , a business specializing in hyper-realistic paintings inspired by Pakistan's natural beauty. Through the PUAN Masterclass 2026, she gained practical skills in digital trade, e-commerce, AI, and global market access that will help her expand her business to international audiences.
Her goal is to take Pakistan's landscapes and artistic heritage to customers around the world while creating opportunities for fellow artists and young creatives.
Read her full story on the PUAN website: https://puan.pk/freedom-250-from-canvas-to-commerce-nomail-maryums-entrepreneurial-journey/

The 5-day PUAN Masterclass 2026 concluded with participants presenting their six-month export roadmaps, showcasing how they plan to apply the skills, tools, and strategies gained throughout the week to grow their businesses and access global markets.
The closing ceremony featured remarks by Andrew Halus, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim,U.S. Embassy Pakistan, and Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan, who encouraged participants to leverage digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and the Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate to unlock new economic opportunities.
From heritage crafts and agricultural products to legal services, fashion, education, pet supplies and much more, the capstone presentations reflected the diversity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of U.S. exchange alumni from across Pakistan.
Read the full story:
https://puan.pk/day-5-u-s-exchange-alumni-showcase-export-roadmaps-at-conclusion-of-puan-masterclass-2026/

U.S. Consulate General Karachi U.S. Consulate General Peshawar US Consulate General Lahore

Day 4 of the focused on helping participants leverage artificial intelligence, digital marketing, automation, and brand strategy to grow their businesses and access new markets.
Led by digital growth strategist Fahad Malik, participants received hands-on training in Meta and TikTok advertising, customer engagement, AI-powered automation, and data-driven marketing strategies. They also explored practical tools for scaling businesses through digital platforms and improving customer experiences.
The afternoon featured an insightful session by Sehrish Kanwal, entrepreneur and digital marketing strategist, on brand strategy, social commerce, and digital brand positioning for export markets. Participants learned how to build strong brands, identify target audiences, leverage social commerce platforms, and create scalable growth systems for international markets.
The day concluded with a Networking Gala Dinner featuring alumni, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, American business representatives, and U.S. Embassy officials. Heidi Smith, Director of Public Engagement,U.S. Embassy Pakistan, highlighted the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and alumni leadership in creating economic opportunities and driving growth. She also shared updates on the upcoming Innovation Center at USEFP, expected to open later this year, which will provide resources, training, and support for innovators and entrepreneurs.
Read more about Day 4: https://puan.pk/day-4-exploring-digital-marketing-and-brand-growth-for-global-markets-at-puan-masterclass-2026/

United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan U.S. Consulate General Karachi US Consulate General Lahore University of Peshawar Tech Valley Pakistan

Day 3 of the PUAN Masterclass 2026 focused on the systems and strategies that drive successful digital businesses.
Participants visited Sybrid Pvt Ltd - A Lakson Group Company to gain firsthand exposure to real-world e-commerce and business operations, while also exploring Google Classroom and NotebookLM to support the development of their six-month export roadmaps.
The day concluded with an insightful session by Ather Imran, business strategist, and export growth expert, who guided participants through the fundamentals of building export-ready businesses. He emphasized that successful e-commerce requires more than technology, it requires strong systems, processes, logistics, payments, and strategic ex*****on.
Read the full Day 3 highlights:
https://puan.pk/day-3-exploring-the-systems-behind-digital-commerce-and-export-growth/
United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan U.S. Embassy Pakistan US Consulate General Lahore U.S. Consulate General Peshawar U.S. Consulate General Karachi Tech Valley Pakistan

Day 2 of PUAN Masterclass 2026 focused on helping participants build the infrastructure needed to compete in the global digital economy.
Through hands-on sessions led by industry experts, participants learned how to create Shopify stores, develop compelling product listings, use AI-powered tools for branding and content creation, and navigate local and international payment systems.
The day also featured practical insights on digital marketing, social commerce, customer engagement, and strategies for accessing global markets. Participants explored how Pakistani entrepreneurs can leverage e-commerce platforms and digital tools to scale their businesses beyond borders.
Read the full Day 2 highlights on the PUAN website:
https://puan.pk/day-2-building-digital-storefronts-and-unlocking-global-market-access-at-puan-masterclass-2026/
U.S. Embassy Pakistan U.S. Consulate General Karachi U.S. Consulate General Peshawar United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan US Consulate General Lahore Tech Valley Pakistan

Day 1 of the PUAN Masterclass 2026 officially kicked off in Islamabad! The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), in partnership with Tech Valley Pakistan and with the support of the U.S. Embassy Pakistan, welcomed 50 U.S. exchange alumni from across Pakistan for the launch of the five-day intensive Masterclass on 'E-Commerce and Digital Trade: Building Pakistan-U.S. Economic Partnerships' at United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan, Islamabad.
Under the theme "The Regulatory Gateway," participants explored the foundations of digital trade, export readiness, market research, branding, and business viability.
In his opening remarks, David Moyer, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Islamabad, congratulated participants on being selected from nearly 400 applicants nationwide and highlighted the opportunity to earn the Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate, a globally recognized credential designed to prepare entrepreneurs for international markets.
Participants also engaged in hands-on business assessments and product research sessions led by Fahad Malik, examining market opportunities, digital readiness, and strategies for identifying products with export potential.
The day concluded with an insightful session by Rafia Syed, Director General, Services Division, TDAP, who highlighted Pakistan's growing digital export sector and encouraged participants to seize emerging opportunities in the global digital economy.
As one key message from the day reminded participants:
"The opportunity is real. It is now. It is yours."
Stay tuned for more highlights as participants continue their journey into digital trade, e-commerce, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
More: https://puan.pk/day-1-puan-masterclass-2026-begins-with-a-focus-on-export-readiness-and-digital-trade-opportunities/
U.S. Consulate General Karachi U.S. Consulate General Peshawar US Consulate General Lahore

Lighting up the Islamabad sky with freedom! We celebrated 250 years of American freedom and nearly 80 years of U.S.-Pakistan friendship with music, anthems, and fireworks. Together, we look ahead to a brighter future.

آج اسلام آباد کا آسمان آزادی کے رنگوں سے جگمگا اٹھا۔ موسیقی، قومی ترانوں اور شاندار آتش بازی کے ساتھ ہم نے امریکی آزادی کے 250 سال اور پاک امریکہ دوستی کے تقریباً 80 سال منائے۔ مل کر ہم ایک روشن مستقبل کی طرف بڑھ رہے ہیں۔

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 PUAN Grants Program! The Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), in collaboration with the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, is proud to announce the awardees of the 2026 PUAN Grants and PUAN Connects Program.
Selected through a competitive process, these outstanding alumni will lead innovative projects focused on workforce development, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, free expression, economic opportunity, and community engagement across Pakistan.
Through these initiatives, PUAN alumni continue to transform their U.S. exchange experiences into meaningful action, creating positive impact in communities nationwide while strengthening U.S.–Pakistan partnerships.
Congratulations to all awardees, we look forward to following your journey and celebrating the impact of your projects in the months ahead.
More: https://puan.pk/from-exchange-experience-to-community-impact-meet-the-2026-puan-grant-awardees/

Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other honorable guests to kick-start the celebrations marking 250 years of American independence: a legacy of freedom, excellence, and innovation. As we celebrate America’s 250th, we also celebrate a U.S.-Pakistan partnership grounded in trust, built on results, and full of promise. More celebrations await in the days to come!

ناظم الامور نیٹلی بیکر نے وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف اور دیگر معزز مہمانوں کا خیر مقدم کیا تاکہ امریکی آزادی کے 250 سال مکمل ہونے کی تقریبات کا آغاز کیا جا سکے۔ یہ آزادی، کامیابی اور نئی سوچ کی ایک شاندار روایت ہے۔ جب ہم امریکہ کے 250 سال منا رہے ہیں، تو ہم امریکہ اور پاکستان کی ایسی شراکت داری بھی منا رہے ہیں جو اعتماد پر قائم ہے، اچھے نتائج دے رہی ہے، اور روشن مستقبل رکھتی ہے۔ آنے والے دنوں میں مزید تقریبات بھی ہوں گی!