Pakistani-American receives President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in US

Sheikh conferred award for his volunteerism spanning 20 years

CHICAGO: Muhammad Saeed Sheikh on Saturday was bestowed with the "President’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2018", the most prestigious United States civil honor for citizens contributions to nation for volunteer services.

The award was presented to Sheikh by former US president George W Bush in a ceremony organised by Javaid Anwar in coordination with the Bush's office .



Moreover, Pakistani Ambassador Ali Jahangir Siddiqui, Consul General of Pakistan in Houston Aisha Farooqui and Farida Sheikh were also in attendance on this occasion.

During the award presentation, Bush praised Sheikh's outstanding volunteerism for the last two decades.

The former president had established the award back in 2003 by an executive order to recognise service through presidential gratitude as well as national recognition.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

In a greetings letter, US President Trump paid tribute to Sheikh stating “On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you for your lifetime of service to your fellow Americans and those most in need. Through your service you have ensured the continuation of America’s unparalleled commitment to improving the lives of others. You have served as a model of the American spirit. Your many hours of service have strengthened the bonds of cooperation and trust that bring people together, while helping to address some of the greatest challenges of our time.”

Many elected officials and community leaders, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green, Sister Cities of Houston President Harry Gee, as well as, many community leaders and media outlets congratulated Sheikh on being given the honor.

On this occasion as a goodwill gesture Sheikh presented Sindh's traditional Ajrak and topi to Bush.

Sheikh has served the community as a volunteer for the last 20 years.

He is currently President of the Houston Karachi Sister City Association and Coordinator of Alliance for Disaster Relief. Sheikh also served as President of Pakistan Junior Chamber, Pakistan Chamber of Commerce-USA, and his leadership was recognised by Sister Cities International Circle of Distinguished Volunteers, City of Houston, and the US Congress.