Houston Texas: Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, President Houston Karachi Sister City Association was honored by Mayor Sylvester Turner at the Houston City Council in recognition for his outstanding 3 decades of Community Service and receiving the Sister Cities International “Volunteer of the Year Award”.
The Volunteer of the Year Annual Award honors an exemplary volunteer chosen from over 138 Countries from 6 Continents for contributions to the sister city movement and recognizes the leadership &talent that benefit local sister city programs and the larger sister city network.
At the Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, Mayor Sylvester Turner appreciated the great work of Mr. Sheikh, which he has witnessed in the last 8 years. He also said that on behalf of the people of Houston, he is extending his sincerestcongratulations to Mr. Sheikh for his selection as the Sister Cities International (SCI) “Volunteer of the Year” and presented the Award. Mayor Turner added that this Accolade from the SCI is a strong recognition of Mr. Sheikhs’ outstanding work in advancing the goals and mission of the Sister Cities movement, and the principles of citizen diplomacy. Mr. Sheikh’s leadership of the Houston Karachi Sister City Association, organizing of the Houston Iftar, and the range of Humanitarian initiatives, including the efforts during COVID-19, Pakistan Floods Relief Efforts reflect great credit on him, the Sister Cities program, and all of Houston.
Present on the occasion Consul General Muhammad Aftab Chaudhry of Pakistan, who also expressed his congratulations to Muhammad Saeed Sheikh for this distinct Award and acknowledgement by the City of Houston. He further said that he already knew the passion and dedication of Mr. Sheikh in serving the Community and today he is pleased to witness and feel proud to see the mainstream engagement of Pakistani American Diaspora.
Nomi Husain, Chair, Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board also expressed his heartfelt Congratulations to Mr. Sheikh and quoted his grandmother saying that “those who have been given much, there is much more expected of them” and lauded 30 plus years of Community service and numerous Awards Muhammad Saeed Sheikh has received.
In his appreciation remarks Mr. Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, President Houston Karachi Sister City Association thanked Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City Council, for the recognition and support. He further said: “I am grateful to almighty God for enabling him to serve the Community and Humanity around the globe. He also expressed his gratitude to Sister Cities International for the honor and giving this award. He acknowledged Mayor Sylvester Turner for his leadership, service, and dedication in bringing diversity, inclusivity, & unity to the Houston Community.”
Furthermore, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh thanked Chief Patron Syed Javaid Anwar for his very generous support and friendship. He thanked everyone, who has always been a part of his journey from his family to friends, the Consulate General of Pakistan, Mayor’s Office of Trade & International Affairs, Sister Cities of Houston, and all the team members of the various efforts that Mr. Sheikh has coordinated with, including the Houston Karachi Sister City Association, Alliance for Disaster Relief, Helping Hand for Relief and Development, the Houston Iftar, and community media.
Others who graced the occasion with their presence were iLyas Hasan Choudry, Director of Development of Helping Hand for Relief and Development, Nasr Khan-Director HKSCA, Siraj Narsi of HKSCA and Mehmood Ahmed AFDR.—PR
