Houston (TDI): The Pakistani-American community in Houston brought vibrant energy to the ACT – Art, Culture & Taste Pakistan Festival 2025, marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, with a spirit of resilience.
Hosted at the Legacy Pointe Event Hall, the festival ran from 2 PM to 10 PM and drew a diverse audience of families, professionals, leaders, and cultural enthusiasts.
Excitement peaked with standout features: a mesmerizing performance by Tehseen Javed, traditional regional dress display by the Pakistani Lions Club, a vivid historical documentary, and a lively kids’ zone filled with painting sessions, rides, and more.
Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, was the guest of honor, who addressed a bustling crowd.
“We bow our heads before the Almighty and are thankful to our valiant sons of the soil… our sovereignty is inviolable,” he said, adding “Pakistan stands proudly among nations with a strong economy.”
Ambassador Sheikh also praised the recent economic strides, pointing out to improved standings in international ratings as evidence of the country’s upward trajectory.
He also pointed out that the US–Pakistan partnership remains on a “positive and upward trajectory,” lauding the Pakistani-American diaspora as a living bridge between the two nations.
A runaway favorite was the Pakistani mango tasting booth, where attendees had a chance to taste the heavenly sweet mangoes from their home country.
The event’s crowning thrill came courtesy of Turkish Airlines, which hosted a raffle awarding two attendees round-trip tickets worldwide, including hotel and hospitality during a stopover in Istanbul, igniting cheers throughout the hall.
The celebration was elevated by the presence of Consul General Muhammad Aftab Chaudhry, community stalwarts such as Saraj Narsi and Saeed Sheikh, and a host of volunteers whose combined efforts ensured smooth proceedings.
A poignant moment came when Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s special proclamation declared August 14 as Pakistan Day in Texas, adding official recognition to the celebrations.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
