Pakistani community activist and member board of director for SEDW and MDC of Texas, Siraj Butt passed away in Pakistan

By: Raja Zahid A Khanzada
Dallas:Renowned North Texas Pakistani community activist and member board of director for South Asia Democracy Watch and Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas, and President of Qaraqaram Thinkers Forum Mr. Siraj Butt passed away in Pakistan today. He was visiting his hometown in Gilgit with his family. Late Mr. Butt was fighting cancer for last one year. Late Mr. Siraj Butt was known for his social, community and political work. While working for human rights he also championed the cause of rights of self determination for Kashmir. He was a forceful voice for people of Gilgit, and its people. He also served as President of Pakistan Muslim League of Dallas Fort Worth. He was known for his lively personality and helpful nature. He always had his doors open for people coming from his hometown and Northern area, where he helped a large number of people either visiting or settling in North Texas. Pakistani American of North Texas are in mourning the sad news of his demise. Mr. Siraj Butt has left his wife and three sons in his family, who were with him in his visit to Pakistan.

Late Siraj Butt was buried by his late mother in his family graveyard in Astoo in Gilgit. Mr. Butt’s friends in Dallas Fort Worth have made arrangement for his “Soyam” prayer service and Quran Khani on Tuesday 12th October at 7PM at Makkah Masjid in Garland. The address is 3301 W Buckingham Road. Garland. The Quran Khwani will run from Maghrib to Isha and will have fateha after Isha prayers.

The outpour of prayers from various community, social and community leadership is continuing, Muslim Democratic Caucus leadership including Syed Fayyaz Hassan, Raja Zahid Khanzada, Emad Salem, Aftab Siddiqui, Pakistan Society of North Texas President Abid Malik, Abid Beg, Dr. Riaz Haider, South Asia Democracy Watch President Amir Makhani, Dr. Qaiser Abbas, Raja Muzaffar, Dallas Peace and Justice Center’s Ex. President Aftab Siddiqui, Pakistan American Association Chairman Dr. Amer Suleman, Dr. Javed Ajmal, Iftikhar Saeed, EZ Entertainment President Azhar Qasmi, Modi Qasmi, and a large number of activists and community leaders prayed and offered condolences to the family of deceased Siraj Butt.

On the other hand, South Asia Democracy Watch is organizing Quran recitation and Fateha recitation for the reward of the deceased at Mecca Masjid Garland on Tuesday, October 12 at 7 pm. In this regard, community members can contact Syed Fayyaz Hassan at 682-429-9954.
The address of the mosque is as follows

Makkah Masjid
3301 W Buckingham Rd, Garland, TX 75042