Dr. Amjad Saqib

Muhammad Amjad Saqib, (Punjabi, Urdu: امجد ثاقب; 1 February 1957) is a Pakistani social entrepreneur, development practitioner, former civil servant and author. He is the founder and Executive Director of Akhuwat Foundation, which is the world's largest Islamic microfinance organization that provides interest-free loans to the most deserving segments of society. He has been nominated for 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for his work for poverty alleviation.

Since its inception in 2001, the organization has now successfully disbursed over PKR 157 billion (US$884 million) in interest-free loans, helping over 5.5 million families across Pakistan. Adopting a multidimensional approach to poverty alleviation, Akhuwat has launched several other projects including Pakistan's first fee-free university - Akhuwat College University - which is open to talented students from across Pakistan, who would otherwise not be able to afford higher education. Akhuwat operates several other projects under its umbrella some of which include enhancing financial inclusion, access to education and healthcare, support of the transgender community as well as the provision of food and clothes.

Amjad Saqib is known for his work for social mobilization, poverty alleviation, microfinance, and education management. He has authored nine books which include Akhuwat ka Safar and Molu Musali, which describe his journey in forming Akhuwat and he regularly writes columns in several Pakistani newspapers. He is the recipient of several national and international honors including Sitara-e-Imtiaz, a coveted civil award of Pakistan. He also received "Asia's Nobel Prize" Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2021 for his organisation's interest-free loan programme.

Akhuwat

Established in 2001, Akhuwat was the first organization in Pakistan to tackle the issue of poverty through the disbursement of interest-free loans also known as Qarz-e-Hasan. In 2021, Akhuwat's Islamic Microfinance program has disbursed PKR 157 Billion ($884 million) in interest-free loans with a repayment rate of 99.7% to 5.5 million families across Pakistan. The organization has a network of more than 8000 employees in over 853 branches across 400 cities in Pakistan.

Akhuwat is founded in accordance with the Islamic principle of MawaKhat or brotherhood. The earliest example of Mawakhat is seen in the solidarity formed by the citizens of Medina and the Muhajireen (or Meccans) who had migrated to Medina to escape persecution. The people of Medina shared half of their wealth and resources with the migrants. Inspired by this spirit, Akhuwat seeks to invoke this concept of brotherhood through its work. Keeping this in mind, Akhuwat believes in a poverty-free society that is based on the principles of compassion and equity.

Other than providing interest-free loans, Akhuwat has expanded its work into the field of education, health, and supporting the most marginalized segments of society. Akhuwat's programs include Akhuwat Education Services, Akhuwat Clothes Bank, Akhuwat Transgender Support Program, and Akhuwat Health Services. It has launched Pakistan's first fee-free University in Kasur. Akhuwat College, Kasur is a residential college that caters to students from low-income households who despite their talent and desire to pursue education are unable to do so due to financial constraints. The aim of the college is not only to provide these young people with quality education, but also focuses on cultivating their unique talents, inspiring a deeper sense of ethics, and inculcating the values of discipline, hard work, and volunteerism.

Akhuwat's Education Services includes a network of over 300 schools and 4 colleges. Akhuwat has distributed 2.5 million clothes to low income families across all provinces of Pakistan. This project was appreciated by the Punjab Government and Federal Government. He made a recent visit to Sweden and Denmark to encourage overseas Pakistanis to come forward and do the necessary effort at their end. The Akhuwat Transgender Support Program provides psycho-social therapy, skills and vocational training, literacy and health workshops to thousands of transgenders across Pakistan. They have held free medical camps and awareness seminars, and provided free treatment and vaccinations for diseases such as hepatitis C and hepatitis B.