🏆 From a $100 loan to global recognition! Dr Amjad Saqib receives first Global Edhi Award for Akhuwat’s fight against poverty

LONDON — In a historic recognition of humanitarian excellence, Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib, the visionary founder of Akhuwat, has received the first Global Edhi Award at a prestigious ceremony held during the South Asian Festival in London.

The award, introduced this year with the formal approval of Faisal Edhi and the Edhi family, aims to honor the legacy and lifelong mission of Abdul Sattar Edhi, Pakistan’s most celebrated humanitarian. The Global Edhi Award recognizes individuals and organizations that embody Edhi’s spirit of compassion, service, and selflessness in uplifting humanity.

A Journey from $100 Loan to Global Change

Dr Amjad Saqib launched Akhuwat in 2001 with just a $100 interest-free loan, a concept rooted in Islamic principles of brotherhood and mutual support. Today, Akhuwat has grown into the world’s largest interest-free microfinance program, disbursing over $1.5 billion in loans to more than 7 million families across Pakistan. The organization’s success in poverty alleviation has drawn international acclaim and is now studied as a Harvard University case study for sustainable social enterprise.

Global Recognition and Humanitarian Leadership

Dr Saqib’s contributions have previously earned him several prestigious honors, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award—often dubbed the Asian Nobel Prize—as well as a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. He was also named “Man of the Decade” for his transformative role in combating poverty and promoting economic inclusion in Pakistan.

Ceremony Highlights

At the London event, renowned poet Iftikhar Arif presented the award, lauding Dr Saqib as a “beacon of hope” in Pakistan’s fight against poverty. The ceremony was attended by notable personalities, including Ms Anjum Raza, President of Faiz Foundation UK, Dr Umar Daraz, and festival organizers Ikram Qaimkhani, Dr Qadir Sarki, and Javed Soomro.

Continuing Edhi’s Legacy

In his acceptance speech, Dr Amjad Saqib expressed deep gratitude for the honor and dedicated the award to the memory of Abdul Sattar Edhi, calling him his “guiding light.” He pledged to continue serving humanity through compassion, equality, and community empowerment, upholding the principles that defined Edhi’s life and mission.