HOUSTON, Texas — Thousands of people from across the Greater Houston area gathered Sunday for the 12th Annual Dawat-e-Haleem, hosted by Friends of Karachi Houston, in one of the city’s largest Pakistani-American community events. Held at Marquee Banquet & Event Center, the event brought together families, community leaders, business professionals, elected officials, and guests from diverse backgrounds to celebrate culture, friendship, and unity.
The event featured traditional haleem served to attendees in a festive atmosphere filled with networking, community engagement, and cultural pride. Organizers said the annual gathering aims to strengthen relationships within the community while promoting harmony and mutual respect among people of all backgrounds.
Businessman and philanthropist Ali Sheikhani attended the event as the Chief Guest, where he met with community members and participated in an exclusive interview with journalist Madiha Masood. During the interview, Sheikhani emphasized the importance of community service, preserving cultural traditions, and supporting initiatives that bring people together. He praised the organizers and volunteers for their dedication in making the annual event a success.
The gathering also received strong support from Republican leaders and elected officials, reflecting the event’s broad community appeal. Among those in attendance were Ken Mathews, Orlando Sanchez, Daniel Wong, Tony Aranda, Dean Hrbacek, Ken Cannata, Shawn McDonald, Mark Hanna, Linda Howell, Rob Boettcher, Greg Barnes, Margaret Daniel, and Asha Reddi, who interacted with attendees and expressed their appreciation for the Pakistani-American community’s contributions to the Houston area. Many shared messages highlighting the importance of cultural exchange, civic engagement, and community partnerships.
Community leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers also attended the event, making it an opportunity for networking, reconnecting with friends, and building stronger relationships across Houston’s diverse communities.
Guests described the event as a celebration of unity, enjoying traditional haleem, meeting local leaders, and spending time with family and friends. The large turnout underscored the continued growth and influence of the Pakistani-American community in the region.
Organizers thanked volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and attendees for helping make the 12th Dawat-e-Haleem one of the most successful gatherings in the organization’s history. They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing events that promote friendship, cultural heritage, and service to the community.
As the afternoon concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of connection and optimism, reinforcing the message that community events such as Dawat-e-Haleem continue to strengthen bonds, celebrate diversity, and contribute to the social fabric of Houston.
