Kashmiri-American Community Leader Sagheer Khan Honored with Prestigious U.S. Award

New York, April 4, 2025: Sagheer Khan, a community leader hailing from Charhoi in Azad Kashmir (Pakistan-administered Kashmir), has been awarded one of the United States’ highest honors for community service, recognizing his decades of dedication to addressing challenges faced by diaspora communities.

Khan, president of the Kashmiri American Alliance and a long-time U.S. resident, received the accolade at a ceremony in New York hosted by the Community Service Award Center. Jessica Ramos, a representative of the Center, presented the award, underscoring Khan’s “exceptional contributions to fostering unity and resolving issues within immigrant communities.”

The honor marks the first time a Pakistani or Kashmiri national has been granted this prestigious award, sparking celebrations in Khan’s hometown of Charhoi, located in the Chahawla region, as well as among Kashmiri and Pakistani expatriates across the U.S.

Decades of Service

Sagheer Khan immigrated to the U.S. over two decades ago and has since been instrumental in advocating for the rights and welfare of the Kashmiri-American community. His work through the Kashmiri American Alliance has focused on bridging cultural divides, supporting educational initiatives, and addressing socio-economic challenges faced by diaspora members.

“This award is a testament to the resilience and solidarity of our community,” Khan remarked during the ceremony. “It reaffirms our shared commitment to creating a more inclusive society.”

Pride at Home and Abroad

News of the award has been met with jubilation in Charhoi, where residents gathered to celebrate Khan’s achievement. Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages from Kashmiris and Pakistanis globally, many hailing him as a “trailblazer” and “source of inspiration.”

The Kashmiri American Alliance released a statement praising Khan’s “visionary leadership” and noting that the recognition highlights the often-overlooked contributions of immigrant communities to American society.

A Symbol of Hope

The award has resonated deeply within Kashmir, where Khan’s story is seen as a beacon of pride amid ongoing political tensions. As a region divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, Kashmir rarely sees its diaspora figures acknowledged on such global platforms.

Khan’s accolade follows recent international recognition of other Kashmiris, including Fakhar Jibran from Bhimber, who won a Commonwealth Peace Award earlier this year.

For many, Khan’s journey from the hills of Charhoi to a New York stage embodies the potential of Kashmir’s diaspora to drive positive change, both locally and globally.

Reporting by The Azadi Times; Edited by Web Desk