ISLAMABAD: Social activist Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, who received Sitara-e-Khidmat from President Asif Ali Zardari, has emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and the United States, particularly through initiatives focused on trade enhancement and community-driven economic collaboration.

Speaking on Pakistan TV’s morning show ‘World This Morning’, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh said one of the key mechanisms supporting this goal is the Houston-Karachi Sister City Association (HKSCA), which was officially approved by the Houston city government.

According to him, the sister city framework has provided a structured platform for not only cultural exchange but also meaningful economic engagement between the two cities.

Sheikh shared that his journey in community service began in 1980, when he chose to dedicate himself to social work over political activity.

Starting with the Junior Chamber (JCs) in Hyderabad, he later rose to become the national president of Pakistan JCs in 1992. After moving to the United States, he continued his work through the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce USA, eventually serving as its president in 2008, consistently focusing on building networks that support leadership, service, and economic connectivity.

He described his key role in establishing the Houston-Karachi Sister City relationship in 2009 and developing a network of more than 40 community organizations engaged in humanitarian and civic initiatives. These networks have also played a role during major crises, including the 2011 Sindh floods, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, COVID-19, and winter emergencies in the United States, coordinating relief efforts across communities in both countries.

Muhammad Saeed Sheikh reiterated that his guiding principle remains that "service to humanity is the best work of life".

He also highlighted large-scale community initiatives such as Houston’s annual Iftar event, which has grown into a major gathering of over 2,000 participants from diverse faiths and backgrounds, reflecting his emphasis on inclusivity and social cohesion.

He further said his contributions have been recognised in both Pakistan and the United States through various civil honors, expressing gratitude to the President of Pakistan, diplomatic institutions, and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation.

He described these recognitions not as a final milestone but as a continuation of his broader mission to advance humanitarian service and strengthen Pakistan’s economic development through deeper US-Pakistan community and trade collaboration.

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