Akhuwat’s mission is to alleviate poverty by empowering socially and economically marginalised segments of the society, said Akhuwat Chairman Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib.
Speaking at a reception hosted by prominent Pakistani businessmen Fawad Rana and Said Gul at the Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Hotel, Dr Amjad shared the emotional story behind the inception of Akhuwat. He explained how the foundation began with an interest-free loan of Pakistani Rs10,000 extended to a widow to help her earn a decent living with dignity and integrity.
Dr Amjad acknowledged the generous hospitality of Fawad Rana and Said Gul, emphasising that their support reflects the commitment of the Pakistani diaspora to further Akhuwat’s mission of poverty alleviation through sustainable and community-driven initiatives.
“As we continue our journey towards eradicating poverty, the support and encouragement from leaders like Fawad Rana and Said Gul demonstrate the power of collaboration in achieving these shared goals,” remarked Dr Amjad, who pioneered the concept of interest-free (Qarz-e-Hasan) microfinance in Pakistan by establishing a low-cost microfinance model with minimal operational costs. This model reinforces the belief that client sustainability is as crucial as organisational sustainability.
Dr Amjad was accompanied by Arif Anis, President of Akhuwat UK; Abubakr Siddique, Chief Coordinator of Akhuwat; and Muhammad Umer Alam, Consultant at Akhuwat.
Earlier, Fawad Rana welcomed the gathering and shared inspiring stories. He regaled them with the official song of the Lahore Qalandars, a professional Pakistani cricket team that competes in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). As a key figure behind the franchise, Rana has been credited with elevating the game of cricket in Pakistan and providing opportunities to young talent to thrive.
Since its founding in 2001, Akhuwat has been transforming lives and has emerged as a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to poverty alleviation. Over the past two decades, Akhuwat has positively impacted millions of lives by offering interest-free microfinance, fee-free education, and community support programs to empower marginalized communities across Pakistan. To date, Akhuwat has disbursed over 4 million interest-free loans, helping countless families establish sustainable livelihoods.
Through its unwavering commitment to financial inclusion, Akhuwat continues to empower individuals and families, helping them achieve economic independence. By adopting a holistic approach that includes education, healthcare, and social support, Akhuwat is not just providing financial assistance but is also investing in the potential of individuals to transform their lives.
For more information about Akhuwat Foundation and its programmes, please visit www.akhuwat.org.pk.
