Houston Mayor Annise Parker hosts Iftar dinner

By
Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
|
Houston Mayor Annise Parker hosts Iftar dinner
HOUSTON: Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker, has said that Houston was a city harboring hardworking individuals and that the exemplary harmony amongst the people belonging to different religions and cultures distinguished it from other cities of the USA.

She urged the people having varied faiths to come forth and find means to solve the disputes so that innocent lives could be saved.

She was speaking at the annual dinner reception hosted jointly at the City Center by Abu Dhabi/Baku/Istanbul and Karachi sister city associations in collaboration with Islamic Society of Greater Houston.

Annise Parker reiterated that their principal commitment was to ensure that each and every individual arriving at Houston got equal rights.

She thanked all the Muslim community organizations for contributing towards arranging events including Islamic teachings.

She recalled how the community had always demonstrated exemplary unity when faced with natural catastrophes.

Annise Parker reminded that the city had passed an ordinance providing its citizens protection from all sorts of discrimination.

Noticing the presence of people belonging to diverse religions at Iftar dinner, Annise Parker wished the Muslims all the best during the holy month of Ramadan and said it was a matter of pride for her to witness such a harmonious gathering.

Condemning killing of people on the basis of belief, she said that we needed to strive for peace during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

She stressed on the necessity of proving that we are united like one human family. Annise Parker also presented appreciation certificates to organizers of the Iftar Dinner.

Congressman Al-Green and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaking on the occasion said that USA was globally a favorite country and they endeavored to provide security to all to the best of their ability.

Prominent businessman and oil tycoon Javaid Anwar said that Houston was a typical place where people were free to live in accordance with their beliefs.

He said Houston was a model for Pakistan where people were being killed on the basis of their beliefs. He lauded the efforts of the authorities for their efforts towards transforming Houston into an oasis of peace.

The event was attended by more than 2000 guests. Consul General of Pakistan Afzaal Mahmmod and many other countries Consul General were in attendance.

A video message on Ramadan by President Barack Obama was also played on the occasion. Chairman organizing committee Ruhi Ozgul welcomed the guest while Coordinator Muhammad Saeed Sheikh recognized the elected officials & sponsors.

Joe Bradford talked about the importance of Ramadan while Faraz Khan spoke about the relationship between Allah and human.

After Hashim Badat (President Islamic Society of Greater Houston)’s brief talk, Imam Abdullah led dua and Shahid Ahmed Rizvi (renowned scholar from Alnoor Mosque) led the Maghreb prayers.

M.J.Khan presented the note of thanks.The members of the organizing committee including Haroon Moughal,Mian Nazeer, David Godwin,Cristal Montane'z Baylor,Zafar,Khan,Khalid,Kazi,Shah,Haleem,Irada Akhoundova,Sunny Sherma were among the members of organizing Committee.