Biography of Muhammad Amjad Saqib: Social Entrepreneur, Author, Businessman, Civil Servant
Akhuwat Foundation
Biography of Muhammad Amjad Saqib:
Muhammad Amjad Saqib, born on February 1, 1957, in Pakistan,
is a man driven by a profound sense of social justice and empowerment. After a
distinguished career in civil service, he embarked on a remarkable journey as a
social entrepreneur and development practitioner. In 2001, he founded Akhuwat
Foundation, a pioneering organization in Islamic microfinance. Its mission: to
provide interest-free loans to those in need, fostering financial independence
and dignity among Pakistan's underserved communities.
Empowering Millions Through Akhuwat Foundation
Since its humble beginnings, Akhuwat Foundation has grown
into a beacon of hope, disbursing over PKR 220 billion in interest-free loans.
This monumental effort has touched the lives of more than 6 million families
across Pakistan, offering them opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and
economic stability. Akhuwat's impact extends beyond financial support; it
encompasses holistic poverty alleviation initiatives.
A Holistic Approach to Change
Under Amjad Saqib's visionary leadership, Akhuwat Foundation
has expanded its scope to address diverse social challenges. In addition to
microfinance, the foundation launched Pakistan's first fee-free university,
Akhuwat College University. This institution aims to empower talented students
nationwide who lack means for higher education. Moreover, Akhuwat's initiatives
include enhancing financial inclusion, supporting education and healthcare
access, empowering the transgender community, and providing essential
necessities like food and clothing to the disadvantaged.
Early Years and Education
Amjad Saqib, a visionary in social welfare, was born in 1957
in Toba Tek Singh, a quaint city in Punjab, Pakistan. He pursued his education
with diligence, first attending Government College in Lahore. His academic
journey culminated in a bachelor's degree in medicine from King Edward Medical
College in 1982, marking the beginning of a remarkable career path.
Venturing into Public Service
After earning accolades in medicine, Saqib's quest for
knowledge and impact led him overseas. In 1995, he was awarded the prestigious
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, which took him to American University in Washington
D.C. There, he pursued a master's degree in Public Administration, deepening
his understanding of governance and public policy.
A Journey into Social Entrepreneurship
Saqib's passion for social change flourished further with
specialized training. He participated in a rigorous program on Social
Enterprise & Management at LUMS in collaboration with McGill University.
Additionally, he honed his leadership skills through professional development
courses at Harvard University, enhancing his capacity to effect transformative
change.
Founding Akhuwat
In 2003, Amjad Saqib made a pivotal decision to leave his
career in the Pakistani Civil Service to dedicate himself wholly to public
welfare. This marked the birth of Akhuwat, an organization committed to empowering
communities through interest-free microfinance and other social initiatives.
His departure from bureaucratic confines underscored his commitment to practical,
impactful social work.
Akhuwat: Transforming Lives Through Compassion
Established in 2001, Akhuwat pioneered the concept of
interest-free loans, or Qarz-e-Hasan, in Pakistan as a means to combat poverty.
By 2024, Akhuwat's Islamic Microfinance program has disbursed a staggering PKR
220 Billion in loans to 6 million families across Pakistan, boasting an
impressive repayment rate of 99.9%. With a widespread presence encompassing 853
branches in 400 cities and employing over 8000 individuals, Akhuwat has become
a beacon of hope for the marginalized.
Embodying Brotherhood: Akhuwat's Ethical Foundation
Rooted in the Islamic principle of MawaKhat, or brotherhood,
Akhuwat draws inspiration from the solidarity demonstrated by the people of
Medina towards the Muhajireen. This spirit of shared compassion and equity
forms the core of Akhuwat's mission to build a poverty-free society. Beyond
financial assistance, Akhuwat strives to uplift communities through education,
healthcare, and support for marginalized groups, embodying a vision of social
justice and inclusive growth.
Education and Empowerment: Akhuwat's Holistic Approach
Diversifying its efforts, Akhuwat has ventured into
education with initiatives like Akhuwat College Kasur, Pakistan's first
fee-free university. This institution not only provides quality education to
students from low-income backgrounds but also nurtures their talents and
instills values of discipline and volunteerism. Complementing its educational
endeavors are programs like Akhuwat Education Services, which operates a network
of schools and colleges, and the Akhuwat Clothes Bank, which has distributed
2.5 million garments to needy families nationwide.
Biography of Muhammad Amjad Saqib: Social Entrepreneur, Author, Businessman, Civil Servent, development practitioner, Director of Akhuwat Foundation
Support and Empowerment for All: Akhuwat's Outreach Programs
Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of Akhuwat's outreach
efforts, as seen in the Akhuwat Transgender Support Program. This initiative
offers psycho-social support, vocational training, and health education to
transgender individuals across Pakistan, aiming to improve their socio-economic
status and well-being. Additionally, Akhuwat's health services provide free
medical camps, treatment for diseases like hepatitis C and B, and health
awareness seminars, benefiting thousands annually.
A Vision for the Future: Akhuwat University
Looking ahead, Akhuwat is constructing Pakistan's first
fee-free Akhuwat University, where students will contribute fees according to
their financial capacity. Through scholarships and interest-free loans, the
university aims to democratize access to higher education, fostering a new
generation of leaders committed to community development and national progress.
This ambitious project underscores Akhuwat's enduring commitment to sustainable
development and equitable opportunities for all.
Global Influence and Recognition
Saqib's expertise and insights have garnered global
recognition. He provides consultancy to esteemed organizations like the
International Labour Organization, Asian Development Bank, UNICEF, World Bank,
and the Canadian International Development Agency. His speaking engagements at
prestigious institutions worldwide, including Harvard University, University of
Oxford, and University of Cambridge, underscore his influence in poverty
alleviation and social entrepreneurship.
Family Life
Amjad Saqib finds balance in his personal life with his
wife, Farrukh Amjad, and their two children, Junaid Farid and Farazeen Amjad
Shahid. Despite his demanding career, his family remains a steadfast source of
support and inspiration.
The Author and Advocate
Amjad Saqib is not only a pioneer in social entrepreneurship
but also a prolific writer and advocate. He has authored nine books, including
"Akhuwat ka Safar" and "Molu Musali," which chronicle his
personal journey and the evolution of Akhuwat Foundation. His writings and
columns in Pakistani newspapers reflect his deep commitment to social
mobilization, poverty alleviation, microfinance, and education management.
Recognition and Impact
Amjad Saqib's dedication and Akhuwat Foundation's impactful
initiatives have garnered national and international acclaim. Saqib is a
recipient of prestigious awards such as Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz,
among Pakistan's highest civil honors. In 2021, Akhuwat Foundation received the
Ramon Magsaysay Award, a testament to its pioneering role in promoting social
justice through interest-free loans.
Recognitions and Accolades
Amjad Saqib's unwavering dedication to poverty alleviation
and social welfare in Pakistan has been widely acknowledged through numerous
prestigious honors and awards.
Prestigious National Awards
In 2010, the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan's third-highest civilian
award, was bestowed upon Amjad Saqib by the President of Pakistan. The same
year, he received a Gold Medal from Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani,
honoring his profound impact on social change within the country.
International Acclaim
Internationally, Amjad Saqib and his organization, Akhuwat,
have received significant recognition. In 2014, the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and
Thomson Reuters conferred upon him the Lifetime Achievement Award for Akhuwat's
pioneering role in Islamic finance. His leadership as a social entrepreneur was
also celebrated in 2018 when he received the Social Entrepreneur of the Year
award from the World Economic Forum and Schwab Foundation.
Royal Recognition
In 2018, Queen Elizabeth II of the Commonwealth honored
Amjad Saqib with the Commonwealth's 31st Point of Light Award, commending his
efforts in poverty alleviation and restoring human dignity in Pakistan. That
same year, he was recognized by the Chief Minister of Punjab with the Social
Entrepreneur Award for Akhuwat's substantial contributions.
Islamic Finance and Global Impact
Amjad Saqib's contributions to Islamic finance were further
recognized in 2018 with the Islamic Finance Excellence Award from Comsats
University Pakistan and the Islamic Economy Award at the Global Islamic Summit
in Dubai, presented by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al
Maktoum.
Special Commendations
Amjad Saqib's efforts during challenging times have not gone
unnoticed. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he received the Shaan-e-Pakistan
(Pride of Pakistan) award from President Arif Alvi, acknowledging his
exceptional welfare work.
Global Influence and Humanitarianism
Beyond Pakistan, Amjad Saqib's impact resonates globally. He
was granted Honorary Citizenship of Louisville, USA in 2014 for introducing the
innovative concept of interest-free microfinance. His steadfast commitment to
human rights was recognized in 2015 with the Human Rights Award from the Human
Rights Society of Pakistan.
Continued Recognition
Throughout the years, Amjad Saqib has continued to receive
acclaim for his integrity and innovative contributions. Notably, he was honored
with the Pace Award in 2017 by the Pakistani American Community and the Islamic
Economics Application Award in Turkey in 2018.
Recent Achievements
In 2021, Amjad Saqib was awarded the prestigious Ramon
Magsaysay Award for his groundbreaking interest and collateral-free
microfinance loan program, which has positively impacted millions of
underprivileged families. His remarkable contributions have also led to his
nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.
Ongoing Commitment
Most recently, in 2023, Amjad Saqib was awarded the
Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan in recognition of Akhuwat's
outstanding work in providing interest-free loans to six million families
across the country.
