Ahmed Mustaqeem Bharwana

Akhuwat Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides interest-free loans and other financial services to low-income communities in Pakistan. It was founded in 2001 by Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib, who is the executive director of the organization. Akhuwat’s mission is to alleviate poverty by using the Islamic principle of Mawakhat (مواخات) or solidarity.

Projects of Akhuwat Foundation till 2023

Akhuwat Foundation has several projects and programs that aim to address the multidimensional issue of poverty. Some of these are:

• Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance (AIM): This is the core program of Akhuwat, which provides interest-free loans to the underprivileged to enable them to create sustainable pathways out of poverty. With over 800 branches in more than 400 cities across Pakistan, AIM is the largest interest-free microfinance program in the world. As of December 2021, Akhuwat has disbursed over 180 billion PKR in interest-free micro-loans to more than 5.4 million beneficiaries.
• Akhuwat Education Services (AES): This program aims to provide quality education to the marginalized segments of society. Akhuwat operates 301 schools and three colleges, providing education to over 47,000 students. Akhuwat also offers scholarships, teacher training, and career counselling to its students.
• Akhuwat Clothes Bank (ACB): This program collects, sorts, and cleans donated clothing and gifts and presents them to low-income families. These gifts are disbursed throughout the year, while special campaigns are carried out during the peak winter season and natural disasters. Akhuwat has collected and distributed over 3.23 million clothes to the needy.
• Akhuwat Khwajasira Support Program (AKSP): This program works with the vision of creating a system of support for members of the Khwajasira or transgender community in Pakistan, who are often socially and economically excluded. Akhuwat provides them with financial and social assistance, health care, vocational training, and legal aid. Akhuwat has registered over 2000 Khwajasiras under this program.
• Akhuwat Fellowship Program (AFP): This is a new initiative by Akhuwat that aims to cultivate a new generation of empathetic and compassionate leaders who can help bridge the societal gaps and create a more inclusive and equitable society. The fellowship program offers a one-year immersive learning experience for young graduates who are passionate about social change. The fellows work with Akhuwat’s various projects and programs, as well as engage in personal and professional development activities.

Contribution to Pakistani society

Akhuwat Foundation has significantly contributed to Pakistani society by empowering millions through its interest-free microfinance and other social services. Akhuwat has helped its beneficiaries to improve their income, livelihoods, education, health, and dignity. Akhuwat has also promoted social cohesion, harmony, and tolerance among religious and ethnic groups by using holy places as centres for loan disbursements and community participation. Akhuwat has also inspired many people to donate their time, money, and skills to support its cause. Some of its borrowers have even become donors after repaying their loans.

Lastly, it is significant that social work in Pakistan gets recognition. It is a developing society; therefore, the state will always find it hard to provide fundamental amenities to the people. Consequently, it is critical that the culture of social work is developed in Pakistan and that individuals and communities feel inspired to take social work as a valuable contribution towards society.

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