By Raja zahid A Khanzada
HOUSTON, Texas: With American general elections just seven months away, Republican and Democratic Party candidates are busy contacting prospective voters.
Some of these contacts are for votes and some for money.
Incumbent US President Barrack Obama is also sojourning the states gathering support as well as raising funds for his reelection campaign.
He traveled to Houston for this purpose and raised 3.4 million dollars in a few hours for his reelection campaign.
Pakistani Americans and Houston’s entrepreneurs played a big role in this fundraiser.
Prominent attorney Nomaan (Nomi) Husain was appointed as one of the event’s chair for the fundraising committee.
His efforts brought a number of distinguished Pakistani Americans to the event including the CEO of Midland Energy Mr. Javaid Anwar, Mrs. Kamila Husain, Faris Husain, Mr. Nasir Ali, Beena Ali, Ajaz Haque, and Samina Haq.
A reception was also hosted in President Obama’s honor.
During the reception, President Obama mingled with Pakistani entrepreneurs.
While talking to President Obama, Mr.Javaid Anwar highlighted some important issue facing the oil industry.
The attendees pledged complete support for President Obama.
A similar event was hosted at Houston’s Minute Maid Park where a large number of Houstonians and Pakistani Americans including Houston Karachi Sister City President Mr. Saeed Sheikh, Dr. Azam Kundi, Lutfi Hassan, Shahid javed & Ayub Kundi attended the rally.
Mr. Saeed Sheikh thanked president Obama for his administration’s support for Pakistan and assured him on behalf of Pakistani American Community regarding his reelection campaign.
Expressing his gratitude President Obama thanked Saeed Sheikh in Urdu saying “Shukria”.
In his short 15-minute speech President Obama urged his supporters for more efforts in this election compared to last one. President Obama claimed that Change is inevitable. On his political debate with republicans he said, what kind of justice is this when a billionaire pays less in taxes than his secretary?
Expressing his joy on the revival of auto industry he said it was our policies that revived the auto industry. “It is a moneymaking industry, we brought it back from the brink of disaster”, said President Obama.
Congressman Al Green, Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Anis Parker, city controller Ron Green, and other city council members were also present at this occasion.
On the other hand people also protested against the traffic diversions caused by the President’s visit.
It was his third trip to Texas President in a few months.