Arif Choudhry, a Pillar of the Dallas Pakistani Community, Dies; Funeral to Be Held Friday, December 26
By Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Dallas: Arif Choudhry, a widely respected community leader and the founder and former director of the Pakistan Society of North Texas, died after suffering cardiac arrest, his family said. He had experienced a heart attack last week that caused severe brain injury after oxygen supply was interrupted, according to his brother, Naeem Choudhry. Mr. Choudhry was placed on a ventilator at a local hospital, but despite sustained medical efforts, he did not survive.
Known for his warmth and civic energy, Mr. Choudhry devoted decades to strengthening community life among Pakistani Americans in North Texas. Beyond his work with the Pakistan Society of North Texas, he also played a significant role in promoting Punjabi culture, founding an organization that brought together Pakistani and Indian Punjabis on a shared cultural platform.
Mr. Choudhry is survived by his wife, two daughters, and one son. Another daughter died last year. Messages of condolence have continued to pour in for the family and for his brother, Aslam Choudhry، Ishrat Choudhry, Naeem Choudhry, and Tariq Choudhry from friends, relatives, and members of the wider community.
“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
Funeral prayers for Mr. Choudhry will be held on Friday, December 26, after the first Friday prayer at Richardson Masjid, located at 840 Abrams Road in Richardson, Texas. Burial will follow at the Denton Muslim Cemetery at 1903 Ripy Road in Krum, Texas.
Community leaders across North Texas expressed their condolences, including Attorney Naeem Sukhia, president of the Pakistan Society of North Texas; Dr. Riaz Haider, chairman of the Board of Trustees; Abid Malik; Barkat Basria; Abid Baig; and Syed Fayaz Hasan of the Muslim Democratic Caucus. Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada, chief executive officer and editor in chief of Jago Times, also joined in mourning the loss.
They said the Dallas community had lost a dynamic leader whose commitment to preserving and promoting Pakistani culture left a lasting mark. His service, they added, will be remembered for years to come.
Du’a-e-Magfirah to Be Held Sunday
In addition, the family has invited the community to join a Du’a-e-Magfirah in memory of Arif Choudhry. The supplication will be held between Asr and Maghrib prayers on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Frisco Masjid, located at 11137 Frisco Street, Frisco, Texas 75033.
Community members are requested to attend and remember Arif Choudhry in their prayers. May Allah grant him forgiveness, mercy, and a place in Jannah, and give patience and strength to his family. Ameen.
