LONDON – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has recognised Dr Muhammad AmjadSaqib, of Pakistan as the 31st Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of hisexceptional voluntary service creating Pakistan’s largest micro-financeorganisation that is benefiting hundreds of thousands ofdisadvantaged people.
In the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London on19-20 April, Her Majesty The Queen – as Head of the Commonwealth – isthanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations forthe difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
By sharing these stories of service, the Heads of Government meeting willcelebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth andhelp inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of thegreatest social challenges of our time.
Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib is the founder of ‘Akhuwat’, the largestmicro-finance organisation in Pakistan, which provides interest-free loansto disadvantaged people so they can develop sustainable incomes. Since itsinception in 2001, Amjad has opened 700 branches in 350 cities acrossPakistan, enabling over 600,000 people to become self-reliant.
The charity has provided more than £345 million interest free loans whileretaining a recovery rate of 99.96%, with all operational costs covered bydonations. The charity also supports education initiatives, including‘Akhuwat College’, which opened in 2015 and provides a residential facilityfor 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.
The Commonwealth Point of Light award includes a personalised certificatesigned by Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth. The award forDr Muhammad Amjad Saqib was presented today by Thomas Drew CMG, UK HighCommissioner in Pakistan.
Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib said:
Poverty is poison. Poverty is pain. We need to rise together and make aconcerted effort to reduce poverty and make this world a happy place tolive in. Thanks to the Commonwealth and Points of Light for recognizing‘Akhuwat’ and our effort for this great mission.
The British High Commissioner Thomas Drew said:
I am delighted to present Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib with the CommonwealthPoint of Light award for his exceptional voluntary service that hasbenefitted hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged people.
Her Majesty The Queen has recognised Dr Saqib as Pakistan’s Point of Lightfor delivering a significant impact on the lives of others. He has shown aninnovative approach to a social challenge and has inspired others to make apositive change within and beyond their communities.
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 53 nations that work together topromote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meetingwill bring together leaders from all the 53 Member countries to reaffirmcommon values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work tocreate a better future for all citizens, especially young people.
Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her MajestyThe Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across theCommonwealth in this special way.