U.S.- Funded Exchange Programs

[CENTCOM]

Human interactions and cultural exchanges play a vital role in promoting better understanding between people of different nations. The United States military engages in a number of frequent exchanges with the Pakistani military leadership but we also have programs put in place to enhance better people to people relations. However, most of the time we don’t hear about these positive exchanges in the news so many people in Pakistan don’t hear about these opportunities.

In 2014, around 1,200 Pakistanis came to the United States on U.S.-funded exchange programs. So far there are 15,000 Pakistani alumni, with many involved in the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, which has 12 chapters throughout Pakistan. These alumni create important intellectual and business links between U.S. and Pakistani institutions. Networking benefits people in both countries. Pakistan is also the largest recipients of USG-funded Fulbright Program in the world. Since 2009, the Fulbright Program has funded over 800 Masters, 200 PhD candidates, and nearly 100 Senior Scholars from Pakistan.

These programs create a platform for entrepreneurs and students of different backgrounds to exchange views and gain insight on each other’s perspectives and values. Have you, or anyone you know, become part of the Pakistan- U.S. Alumni?

Haroon Ahmad
DET – U.S. Central Command
United States Central Command - Urdu