Report: Tabish Kafili
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Sitara-e-Khidmat on Pakistani-American humanitarian and community leader Muhammad Saeed Sheikh at an investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on May 13, 2026.
The award recognises Mr Sheikh’s more than 45 years of humanitarian service, civic leadership, philanthropy and contributions to strengthening people-to-people relations between Pakistan and the United States.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mr Sheikh expressed gratitude to Allah (SWT) and said the honour belonged to all individuals, organisations, volunteers and supporters who had stood with him in his service to humanity.
“This honor is not solely mine, but belongs to all those individuals, organizations, volunteers and supporters who have stood beside me throughout this journey of service to humanity,” he said. He dedicated the recognition to the people of Pakistan, the overseas Pakistani community and all those who believe in compassion, unity and service beyond borders.
Mr Sheikh also thanked philanthropist Syed Javaid Anwar for his support for humanitarian, educational, and community development initiatives. He extended gratitude to his late parents, his wife Farida Sheikh, and sons Sufiyan Sheikh and Sameer Sheikh for their support throughout his journey. He paid tribute to the late Ashfaq Seth for his contributions to community service and humanitarian causes.
Mr Sheikh began his community service in Hyderabad, Sindh, through Junior Chamber International (JCI). He later served as National President of JCI Pakistan and was honoured as a JCI Senator. After moving to Houston, Texas, he expanded his public service internationally.
As Coordinator of the Alliance for Disaster Relief in Houston, he mobilised humanitarian assistance worth millions of dollars during floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters affecting Pakistan. His work brought together faith-based organisations, volunteers, community institutions and humanitarian partners for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
As President of the Houston–Karachi Sister City Association, operating under Sister Cities of Houston, Mr Sheikh has promoted cultural understanding, civic diplomacy and bilateral engagement between Pakistan and the United States. Under his leadership, initiatives launched in Pakistan include clean drinking water projects, installation of reverse osmosis water plants in underserved communities, delivery of medical supplies and healthcare equipment to hospitals, educational development programmes, youth empowerment projects and humanitarian assistance.
During his recent visit to Pakistan, he oversaw the groundbreaking and reconstruction of Siraj-ud-Dola Girls and Boys Primary School in North Nazimabad, Karachi, in collaboration with the Momina and Duraid Foundation of HUM Network and Houston-based philanthropists and community partners. The project aims to convert the school into a modern facility for underserved children.
Mr Sheikh is also known for organising the annual Houston Iftar gathering, regarded as one of the largest interfaith Ramadan events in the United States. The event promotes unity, inclusion, interfaith harmony and stronger community relations.
Over the years, he has received multiple national and international recognitions for humanitarian contributions and civic leadership in both Pakistan and the United States.
Mr Sheikh reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving humanity, strengthening Pakistan–United States relations and building bridges of friendship, understanding and cooperation between communities around the world.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, members of civil society, distinguished guests, and recipients of national honours from Pakistan and overseas.
