Islamabad (GNP): The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad reinforced economic ties through the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) Economic Policy Challenge, a two-day case-study competition centered on the question of how Pakistan can build a more competitive, prosperous, and globally connected economy.
The event drew 70 alumni participants from across Pakistan, along with six additional participants who traveled from Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Throughout the competition, teams tackled a range of complex policy challenges, including attracting U.S. investment, enhancing Pakistan’s global image, navigating global capital flows, securing affordable energy, streamlining the tax system, and strengthening protections for foreign investors. Teams then pitched their proposed solutions to a panel of senior stakeholders.
At the closing ceremony, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Andy Halus said the inaugural event gave participants a platform to develop practical, actionable ideas for building a Pakistani economy that is more competitive, mutually beneficial, and globally integrated.
He remarked that the spirit of innovation that has defined the United States over the past two and a half centuries was clearly reflected in how participants approached Pakistan’s economic challenges, expressing pride in seeing American values shape positive outcomes for the future.
Halus also referenced the ongoing Freedom 250 celebrations marking America’s founding throughout 2026, honoring the ideas and innovation that helped shape the nation.
He highlighted that the relationships built through the program were among its most valuable outcomes, linking PUAN alumni with each other, industry professionals, and American businesses. He urged participants to nurture these connections and transform them into partnerships that benefit both sides.
Halus noted that bilateral trade between the U.S. and Pakistan surpassed $10 billion last year, with the United States continuing to serve as Pakistan’s largest single-country export market. He added that the policy recommendations developed during the challenge showed how alumni of U.S. exchange programs could collaborate to propose reforms that would make Pakistan’s business environment more attractive to American companies and investors.
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He concluded by thanking the organizations that helped bring the event together, including Accountability Lab Pakistan and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
