Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network

For decades, educational exchange between the United States and Pakistan has helped build a legacy of excellence in classrooms.
American Fulbright Science Specialist Robert S. Andrews, attached to the Education Extension Center, helped plan workshops built around one goal: to "Make Better Science Teachers." Drawing on the strength of the American education system, specialists like Andrews worked alongside local educators across 20 pilot model schools, part of a long-standing partnership in teacher training and faculty development between the two countries.

For decades, educational exchange between the United States and Pakistan has helped build a legacy of excellence in classrooms.

American Fulbright Science Specialist Robert S. Andrews, attached to the Education Extension Center, helped plan workshops built around one goal: to "Make Better Science Teachers." Drawing on the strength of the American education system, specialists like Andrews worked alongside local educators across 20 pilot model schools, part of a long-standing partnership in teacher training and faculty development between the two countries.

From D.G. Khan to customers across 41 countries, Samra Hameed is turning digital skills into global e-commerce success.
Samra, our English Access Microscholarship Program 2021–2023 alumna, has grown her Etsy business, Samra Bead Patterns, to more than 1,000 sales, with the United States representing her largest market.
After participating in the PUAN Masterclass 2026 on “E-Commerce & Digital Trade: Building Pakistan–U.S. Economic Partnerships,” Samra put her learning into practice by improving product listings, customer communication, digital marketing, and her approach to business growth. Since the Masterclass, she has gained 37+ new positive reviews, while 47 customers have returned for repeat purchases.
Now, she is looking ahead to expanding into physical DIY products, reaching new international markets, and sharing her experience with other aspiring digital entrepreneurs.
As we celebrate , Samra’s journey demonstrates how practical skills, entrepreneurial initiative, and digital platforms can connect Pakistani entrepreneurs with global economic opportunities.
Read her story: https://puan.pk/freedom-250-samra-hameed-is-turning-digital-skills-into-global-e-commerce-success/

“Humphrey did not simply change my career trajectory; it changed my philosophy of leadership. It taught me that effective leaders do not merely manage institutions; they cultivate people, nurture partnerships, and create cultures where innovation can thrive,” shares Humphrey Fellow Dr. Farhan Saeed Vakani in this article.
The Humphrey Fellowship, a Fulbright exchange, brings mid-career professionals to the United States and provides practical insight into how American policies are developed and implemented, working alongside U.S. experts in their fields.
Read his article here: https://fulbrighternetwork.com/news/13361107

Farhan Saeed Vakani on How Fulbright Shaped His Leadership Journey | Fulbrighter Beyond the Scholarship: How Fulbright Shaped My Leadership JourneyArticle written by Fulbrighter Farhan Saeed Vakani, Professor & Rector, Sindh Institute of Med

As the United States marks 250 years of independence, artificial intelligence represents the next chapter in a long tradition of American innovation built on limitless freedom, ingenuity, and collaboration.
Continuing that conversation, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker joined a dynamic group of academics, business leaders, and media representatives in Lahore to explore how American innovation is shaping the future of AI and what it means for Pakistan's growing innovation ecosystem.
Partnerships between 🇺🇸 and 🇵🇰 institutions, businesses, and innovators can unlock new opportunities and drive shared prosperity under the Trump administration’s leadership.

U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) 2025 alumna Barrister Sarah Kazmi and her team are turning their U.S. exchange experience into a platform for meaningful conversations on Pakistan’s energy sector.

In Episode 1, “From North Dakota to Energy Sphere,” Sarah Kazmi, Asjadullah Qureshi, and Iraj Tariq share how an idea sparked during their 2025 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in North Dakota evolved into The Energy Sphere Podcast.

Stay tuned as the series brings together voices for more in-depth conversations on energy policy, investment, technology, industry developments, and economic opportunities shaping Pakistan’s energy landscape.

Watch Episode 1: https://youtu.be/H2K3bMSZLAo

🎧 Listen to The Energy Sphere on your preferred podcast platform:

• iHeart: Listen on iHeart : https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-energy-sphere-293321110/episode/uspakistan-energy-cooperation-investment-opportunities-339976368/

• Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-s-pakistan-energy-cooperation-investment-opportunities/id1838794358?i=1000779222257

• Spotify: Listen on Spotify (Spotify availability may be limited in Pakistan.)
https://open.spotify.com/show/1xIhbyeU1iYzM9Zj022s0v

PUAN Grants | From North Dakota to Energy Sphere | U.S. Exchange Alumni | PUAN Podcast | Episode 1 In Episode 1 of The Energy Sphere Podcast, titled “From North Dakot...

How can AI and digital tools help emerging professionals strengthen their skills and explore new economic opportunities? Through the PUAN Connect Grant “PUAN Alumni Dialogue Series: Digital Innovation, Free Expression, and Economic Opportunity,” approximately 30 participants in Sukkur explored the practical use of artificial intelligence, digital tools, effective communication, and emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
Led by Mubarak Ali, our English Works 2021–2022 alumnus and member of the PUAN Sukkur Chapter, the program combined interactive discussions with hands-on activities using tools such as Canva, Google Workspace, and Perplexity. Participants also practiced AI prompting and explored how digital technologies can support research, productivity, content development, entrepreneurship, and professional growth.
The PUAN Connect Grant demonstrated how alumni-led initiatives can help emerging professionals build practical digital capabilities and better navigate an increasingly technology-driven economy.
More: https://puan.pk/puan-connect-grant-in-sukkur-explores-digital-innovation-ai-and-economic-opportunity/

How can educators turn rapidly evolving AI tools into practical resources for the classroom?
Through the PUAN Connect Grant “AI-Powered Classrooms: Transforming Teaching and Learning through Digital Innovation,” approximately 30 educators in Hyderabad gained hands-on experience using AI to support lesson planning, content creation, classroom activities, research, and student engagement.
Led by Munesh Kumar, our OPEN Virtual Program 2024 alumnus, the workshop introduced participants to tools including ChatGPT, Claude, Canva, MagicSchool, Urdu AI, and NotebookLM. Educators also practiced prompt engineering and explored academic integrity, information quality, critical evaluation of AI-generated content, and responsible technology use.
Supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with PUAN, the initiative equipped educators with practical digital skills they can apply and share in their teaching environments.
Read more here: https://puan.pk/puan-connect-grant-equips-hyderabad-educators-with-ai-skills-for-technology-enhanced-classrooms/

On this Independence Day, PUAN celebrates Pakistan’s journey, its people, and the promise of what lies ahead.
May the spirit of independence continue to inspire service, leadership, innovation, and meaningful contributions toward a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
Happy Independence Day!

A five-day NEXTGen: Soft Skills for Youth Workforce Readiness workshop in Ghizer equipped 30 young participants with practical competencies increasingly important for today’s workplace.
Implemented by Dr. Aftab Ahmed Khan, Fulbright Scholar 2021–2022 and PUAN grantee, the training focused on communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, adaptability, time management, professional ethics, confidence building, and professional networking.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, practical exercises, group activities, discussions, presentations, and workplace-oriented learning designed to help bridge the gap between academic education and professional expectations.
The PUAN Grant reflects a continued focus on workforce readiness, market-relevant skills, and professional development for young people preparing to enter changing employment markets.
Read the detailed story: https://puan.pk/puan-grant-advances-workforce-readiness-through-soft-skills-training-in-ghizer/