Exchange Alumni Give Back to Pakistan

Islamabad, Friday, October 7, 2011:

Alumni of U.S. Exchange programs opened a three-day conference today focusing on how they can "Give Back to Pakistan."  Approximately 200 alumni of U.S. Humphrey and Fulbright Exchange programs gathered beginning today for the eighth consecutive year to discuss their role in promoting the socio-economic development of Pakistan across range of issues including child welfare, women's empowerment, sustainable development, health reforms, and regional stability.  Pakistan boasts the largest Fulbright program in the world.

Thomas Miller, the Minister Counselor for Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy Islamabad and himself a former Fulbright Scholar in Pakistan, testified to the value of educational and cultural exchange programs. "These alumni, by tackling tough social and development issues and working for the betterment of Pakistan, are making invaluable contributions to Pakistan," said Mr. Miller.  "As a Fulbright alumni myself, I could not be prouder than to hear of their accomplishments and their continued commitment to giving back to Pakistan."

The Fulbright and Humphrey Programs are educational and cultural exchange programs funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State. More than 4,000 Pakistanis have participated in the Fulbright program since it began in Pakistan in 1950.