US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, founder and co-chairperson of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, has announced she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Ms. Jackson Lee, a 74-year-old Houston Democrat, who has battled breast cancer in the past, did not specify the stage of her cancer in Sunday’s statement.
In September 2022, the Government of Pakistan conferred the high civil award of Hilal-e-Pakistan upon Ms. Jackson Lee, in recognition of her outstanding services to Pakistan, highlighting the magnitude of recent devastation due to floods, being an ardent supporter of US assistance to Pakistan in floods, for her efforts to expand the scope of bilateral ties geared to improving lives and livelihoods of people in both countries, and her support and commitment towards a strong and effective Pakistan Congressional Caucus. She was accompanied by his delegation members, including Congressman Thomas Suozzi, who said last week he would lead efforts to reactivate the caucus, and Congressman Al Green at the presidential ceremony honouring her in Islamabad.
