Amjad Saqib
Amjad Saqib | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 February 1957 Kamalia, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Citizenship | Pakistani |
| Alma mater | Government College University, Lahore King Edward Medical College, Lahore American University, Washington DC |
| Occupation(s) | Social entrepreneur, philanthropist and author |
| Known for | Akhuwat Foundation, Largest interest-free Microfinance credit program |
| Honours | Sitara-e-Imtiaz (2010) Life Time Achievement (2015) Ramon Magsaysay Award (2021) Hilal-e-Imtiaz (2023) |
| Website | Official website |
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.
Since its inception in 2001, the organization has now successfully disbursed over PKR 220 billion in interest-free loans, helping over 6 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 written 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, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, two of the most coveted civil awards of Pakistan. He also received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2021 for his organisation's interest-free loan programme.