ISLAMABAD: As many as 700 alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs gathered in Islamabad to recognise the extensive contributions that the members of the Pakistan-US Alumni Network (PUAN) have made to their communities and the US-Pakistan relationship. The sixth annual reunion of the PUAN, Islamabad-Rawalpindi chapter, brought together politicians, parliamentarians, scholars, journalists, businessmen, and students, all of whom are alumni of U.S. exchange programs to share their experiences and renew their commitment to strengthening ties between the United States and Pakistan. The PUAN alumni have led dozens of community service activities in Islamabad during the past year, taking active roles in the fields of education, leadership development, counter-narcotics, and women’s empowerment. US Mission Pakistan’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Jonathan Pratt, thanked the exchange alumni for their dedication to a strong US-Pakistan relationship. “It was great to see that the PUAN leadership organised a job fair in this year’s reunion programme. There are some noted multinational corporations and local organisations here today, who can perhaps provide an opportunity for alumni to excel professionally.” He also acknowledged the PUAN’s extensive community service programmes and distinguished alumni, who made significant contributions to Pakistan. PUAN President of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Haseeb Kiyani, encouraged participants to volunteer for the network’s philanthropic activities to spread the knowledge they gained in the United States throughout Pakistan. The network also recognised several prominent alumni and volunteer mentors, who have given back to their communities with the Distinguished Alumni and Emerging Leader awards. The US government invests more than $40 million annually on exchange programmes for Pakistani citizens to visit and study in the United States. Over 1,200 Pakistanis participate each year in high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional US-sponsored exchange programmes. Pakistan was one of the largest US-alumni communities in the world, with more than 19,000 students and professionals, who have participated in US government-sponsored exchange programmes. The PUAN organises events across Pakistan through 12 regional chapters, including community service projects, leadership training, roundtable discussions, and community engagement activities.