Pakistan
Commonwealth Point of Light 31 . Muhammad Amjad Saqib
Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib, representing Pakistan, is the founder of 'Akhuwat', the largest micro-finance organisation in Pakistan, which provides interest-free loans to disadvantaged people so they can develop sustainable incomes.
Since its inception in 2001, Amjad has opened 700 branches in 350 cities across Pakistan, enabling over 600,000 people to become self-reliant. The charity has provided more than £345 million interest free loans while retaining a recovery rate of 99.96%, with all operational costs covered by donations. The charity also supports education initiatives, including ‘Akhuwat College’, which opened in 2015 and provides a residential facility for students who cannot afford quality education, and ‘Akhuwat University’, which will open in November 2018 as Pakistan’s first free university, supporting over 600 students.
Dr Amjad Saqib said:
“Poverty is poison. Poverty is pain. We need to rise together and make a concerted effort to reduce poverty and make this world a happy place to live in. Thanks to the Commonwealth and Points of Light for recognizing ‘Akhuwat’ and our effort for this great mission.“
Thomas Drew, UK High Commissioner in Pakistan, said:
“I am delighted to present Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib with the Commonwealth Point of Light award for his exceptional voluntary service that has benefitted hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged people.”
Below: Dr Amjad Saqib receiving his award from Thomas Drew
