J1 Visa holder can apply for B1/B2

[Amjad Shahzad]

I have a valid j1 visa sponsored by Michigan State University valid till February 09, 2016. I am currently in USA however, travelling to Pakistan in the first week of January. My DS-2019 is valid till March 25, 2016. I want to attend a conference on March 19-23 in USA. Can I apply for B1/B2 visa from Pakistan and travel to USA on J1 visa before it is expiring.
I have a valid Canadian tourist visa also.