About
The Ansar Welfare Association (AWA) was borne out of a desire to help those in need. Formed by a group of like-minded, passionate and committed friends from Bromley in Kent, the AWA aims to:
Raise funds to help those who are suffering from poverty, displacement and homelessness.
Raise awareness and support environmental, ecological, educational and health projects.
Engage with communities and to foster a sense of responsibility in them to take action and support those who are suffering and in need.
No society can prosper unless the fundamental right to education is granted to all of its citizens. Therefore, Akhuwat’s vision of creating a poverty-free society would remain incomplete unless the root cause; illiteracy of the poor, was addressed. Considering the paramount importance of education in opening multiple avenues, an investment in education was needed for several reasons. Among those are fostering the ability to innovate, understanding others, creating endless opportunities and building a tolerant, compassionate and environment friendly society. Thus, Akhuwat embarked on its mission to provide free-of-cost, high quality education through its intervention in primary, secondary and higher education.
Currently under-construction, Akhuwat University will be Pakistan’s first fee-free residential university where students will pay their fees according to their means. Through a range of financial instruments including scholarships and interest-free loans, Akhuwat will ensure equal access to quality education to all eligible students. The University embodies Akhuwat’s long-term vision of development and prosperity by preparing a new generation of leaders that will transform their communities and country.
Muhammad Amjad Saqib is a Pakistani social entrepreneur, development practitioner, former civil servant, and author. He is Chairman of Akhuwat, the world’s largest Islamic microfinance organisation providing interest-free loans to the most deserving sectors of society.
Amjad Saqib has been recognised globally and awarded for his work in social mobilisation, poverty alleviation, microfinance, and education management.
Dr. Saqib was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 for his work on poverty alleviation. In 2021, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award (the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize) for the “first-of-its-kind,” interest- and collateral-free microfinance programme. In 2018, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Schwab Foundation named him Social Entrepreneur of the Year. He was presented with the Commonwealth’s 31st Point of Light Award by Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, and Thomson Reuters presented him with the Islamic Economy Award at the Global Islamic Summit in recognition of Akhuwat’s contribution to Islamic Economics. The President of Pakistan honoured him with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the third highest award for Pakistani citizens, military personnel and foreign nationals.
Azam Jamil is a former Minister of State, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Tourism Coordination, Government of Pakistan and Chairman of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. He has more than 44 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, management, marketing, operations, people management and training & development.
Educated at the Aitchison College and Burn Hall, he graduated from Karachi University, as well as, Cornell University.
Azam has held numerous high profile positions during his career in hospitality, and is one of the country’s leading corporate trainers specialising in leadership and management skills. Amongst his recent accomplishments are two gold standard hospitality schools under the Hashoo and Akhuwat banner.
He received the Shigar Fort Restoration award from Virgin Airlines in London on behalf of Serena Hotels and became the first Asian to be elected to the Board of Best Western Colorado, USA
He has also been a leading sportsman for his country and was a national tennis doubles champion in the early 80’s representing the country at home and abroad. He is also a qualified aviator.