Saeed Sheikh, head of Karachi-Houston Sister City Association, thanks key sponsors Syed Javed Anwar and Tanveer Ahmed for supporting the event’s success
By Amjad Qaimkhani
HOUSTON: Preparations are in full swing for Houston’s largest annual Iftar dinner gala, an event that has become a cornerstone of unity and interfaith harmony in the city’s diverse Muslim community. Hosted by the Mayor of Houston, the 26th Annual Houston Iftar Dinner will take place on March 9 at the Bayou City Event Center. More than 2,000 guests are expected to attend, with participation from over 50 community organizations, including the Houston Sister Cities Associations, the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, the Arab community, the Bohra Jamaat, and the Ismaili Council. Online registration for the event will open on February 24.
During an initial planning meeting, Saeed Sheikh, the coordinator of the Houston Iftar Dinner Gala, briefed participants on the event’s preparations. He emphasised the collaboration between Houston’s Sister Cities, including Abu Dhabi, Basra, Baku, Istanbul, and Karachi, alongside key organizations such as the Pakistani American Association of Greater Houston, the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, and several other faith-based and cultural groups.
The meeting saw participation from a broad cross-section of community leaders and volunteers, including Houston City Council Member At-Large Letitia Plummer, Chief of International Affairs at the Mayor’s Office Gigi Lee, Faisal Momin, Imran Ghazi, Ahmed Ilyasi, Siraj Narsi, and Orhan Osman. Discussions focused on ensuring the smooth execution of the event, which has become an annual symbol of goodwill and inclusion.
Speaking to the media, Saeed Sheikh, who also leads the Karachi-Houston Sister City Association, expressed gratitude to the event’s financial backers, including prominent business figures Syed Javed Anwar and Tanveer Ahmed. He reaffirmed the organizers’ commitment to making this yearly event an ever successful venture. Gigi Lee from the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs described the Houston annual Iftar dinner as an honour for the city, underscoring the administration’s commitment to its continued success.
Meanwhile, Siraj Narsi, President of the Pakistani American Association of Greater Houston, noted that the Iftar dinner has played a vital role in promoting Muslim solidarity and presenting a positive image of Islam over the past 25 years. As the tradition continues, the event remains a testament to Houston’s multicultural fabric, where diverse communities come together to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.
