Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network Supports Pakistani Boy Scouts

Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network Supports Pakistani Boy Scouts Leadership Weekend

Al-Bab Report

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Islamabad, August 22, 2016 – The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) partnered with the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association (PBSA) to host a three-day leadership camp for Pakistani Boy Scouts on the grounds of the PBSA headquarters in Shakar Parian Park, Islamabad, August 19-21. 

American Counselor for Public Affairs and Eagle Scout, Rob Raines, helped kick off the event at the opening ceremony.  “Leadership, teamwork, basic outdoor skills, first aid, and citizenship skills will make a difference in your lives and in the lives of others for years to come,” he said to the Pakistani Boy Scouts. 

Raines also thanked the Chief Commissioner of the Boy Scouts, Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Speaker of the Baluchistan Provincial Assembly, for her efforts to strengthen Pakistani youth leadership skills.  The Chief Commissioner is an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the premier professional exchange program offered by the U.S. government.

The Scouts engaged in numerous leadership tasks throughout the weekend, including first aid, sports, pioneering, and outdoor survival.  The Scouts were mentored by various leaders, including the National Secretary of the PBSA, Zahid Mehboob, and various alumni of exchange programs to the United States. 

The United States and Pakistan share a rich tradition of Scouting.  There are more than 3 million combined Scouts between the two countries who are learning the same skills and values.  

PUAN is an alumni network of students and professionals who have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. With more than 20,000 alumni across Pakistan, PUAN is one of the largest alumni networks in the world.  PUAN regularly organizes events across Pakistan, including service projects, leadership training, roundtable discussions, and community engagement activities.