Houston TX: In a vibrant show of unity and national pride, Pakistani Americans from across Houston gathered at the Marquee Event Center to celebrate Youm-e-Tashakur, an evening of gratitude and solidarity organized by community leaders and hosted by multiple local organizations. Sponsored by the Javed Family and Tempura Restaurant, the event drew a full house and resonated with deep emotion and patriotic fervor.

The evening reached a crescendo when Democratic leader Tahir Javed took the stage. His fiery and impassioned address electrified the audience. With powerful rhetoric and unapologetic pride in Pakistan and its armed forces, Javed’s voice boomed across the hall, evoking thunderous applause, cheers, and chants. “We are proud of our roots, and we stand with our military,” he declared, stirring the audience into a standing ovation.

In contrast, Consul General Aftab Chaudhry offered a calm yet compelling perspective. With dignified clarity, he highlighted the significance of the moment and the responsibilities that come with community strength. His speech was a reminder of the importance of thoughtful dialogue and strategic unity in times of global complexity.

Other community leaders from organizations such as Friends of Karachi, HKSCA, Pakistan Association of Greater Houston (PAGH), Radio Naya Andaz, and more, echoed similar sentiments of gratitude, pride, and unwavering support for the Pakistani Army.

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh delivered special remarks, adding a diplomatic lens to the evening’s strong emotional current. The event, attended by a cross-section of the Desi diaspora, was a remarkable testament to the solidarity of Pakistani Americans and their trust in the institutions that represent them.

The Youm-e-Tashakur celebration wasn’t just a dinner—it was a declaration: of unity, of pride, and of purpose.