Tahira Khatoon passes away in Texas

DALLAS: Tahira Khatoon, mother of Pakistani-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Javaid Anwar, who is also the owner of Midlan Energy, has passed away at the age of 91 in Midland Texas.

The remains Tahira Khatoon were brought to Dallas by her son in his private jet for burial. Her funeral prayers were offered at Islamic Center of North Texas in Richardson Texas and she was laid to rest at a Muslim cemetery of Restland by her husband’s grave.

Her funeral was attended by a large number of Pakistani American community members from all over Texas.

Prominent among the attendees were community leaders including former Mayor of Paris Texas Dr. Arjumand Hashmi, President of Islamic Society of Greater Houston and ex Houston Council member M J Khan, Houston Karachi Sister City President Saeed Sheikh, Houston Attorney Nomi Husain, ISGH General Secretary Khalid Qazi, Healthcare business tycoon Dr. Hasan Hashmi, his wife and former Mayor of Chappell Hill Florida Mrs. Salma Hashmi, Pakistan Society of North Texas President Nadeem Zaman, ex President Anjum Anwar, Pakistan American Association of Texas President Dr. Javed Ajmal, South Asia Democracy Watch board of Director member Raja Zahid Khanzada, Muslim Democratic Caucus board member Tariq Jaffery, former President of Islamic Association of North Texas Mohsin Mandavia, Syed Javaid Anwar’s wife Vicki Anwar, son Ryan, daughter Leslie, their close childhood friend Eram Ali and a large number of community activists and civic leaders.

Later, Dr. Arjumand Hashmi hosted a reception at his residence for people in attendance at the funeral.

Syed Javaid Anwar received condolence messages from former US President George Bush, former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Pakistan Ambassador to US Jalil Abbas Jilani, Consul General Pakistan in Houston Afzaal Mahmood, and other prominent public figures.

The deceased Tahira Khatoon had donated generously in charity to Edhi Trust, APPNA and to educational institutions set up by TCF.

She also issued big grants in dollars to University of Texas Austin. She spent her wealth munificently towards the cause of education and supporting children with talent.

She played a major role in the success of Syed Javaid Anwar through her hard work in Karachi where she raised her son.