LONDON: Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib, a distinguished Pakistani social entrepreneur and founding father of Akhuwat, has been honoured with the Mind of the 12 months Award 2025 by The Mind Belief.
The announcement was made by Raymond Keene OBE, Chairman of The Mind Belief and Grand Chessmaster, on the British Home of Commons in a ceremony.
Based in 1990 by Tony Buzan, the inventor of Thoughts Maps, The Mind Belief is devoted to advancing world psychological well being by way of analysis, assist, and funding for people and organisations that promote mind-improving and therapeutic actions.
The “Mind of the 12 months Trophy” is offered yearly because the organisation’s highest accolade, recognising people who’ve made vital contributions to enhancing human cognitive and psychological well-being.
Raymond Keene OBE stated the choice was made to award the Pakistani entrepreneur for his providers to the widespread individuals of Pakistan.
He stated: “Because the founding father of Akhuwat, the world’s largest Islamic microfinance organisation, Dr Saqib has revolutionised the sector by offering interest-free loans to the underserved, working on rules of compassion and altruism.
Since its inception in 2001 with a modest seed fund of $100, Akhuwat has disbursed over $1 billion in interest-free loans, reworking the lives of greater than 6 million households throughout Pakistan. By fostering financial independence and dignity amongst marginalised communities, his work has empowered thousands and thousands to interrupt the chains of economic hardship.”
In its quotation, The Mind Belief highlighted Dr Saqib’s contributions to world psychological well being and human improvement.
“Dr Saqib has revolutionised the sector of microfinance by way of Akhuwat, pioneering a mannequin that not solely alleviates poverty but additionally uplifts the human spirit,” the quotation learn.
“His visionary management exemplifies how revolutionary pondering and compassionate motion can handle a few of the world’s most urgent challenges.”
Raymond Keene OBE emphasised that Dr Saqib’s dedication to social justice, psychological well-being, and group empowerment aligns completely with The Mind Belief’s mission to advertise mind-improving and therapeutic initiatives.
“His life’s work stands as a testomony to the profound affect that one particular person can have on the collective consciousness and well-being of society,” Keene acknowledged.
Dr Saqib joins an illustrious listing of earlier laureates who’ve left indelible marks on the world.
These embody Professor Stephen Hawking, famend theoretical physicist identified for his work on black holes and cosmology; astronaut Senator John Glenn, the primary American to orbit Earth and a lifelong advocate for science; Garry Kasparov, former World Chess Champion and human rights advocate; Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek; neuroscientist Baroness Susan Greenfield, centered on mind mechanisms and Alzheimer’s illness; rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave CBE; and eight-time World Reminiscence Champion Dominic O’Brien.