ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani philanthropist Dr. Amjad Saqib received the ‘Global Man of the Decade’ award on Sunday during the Global Woman Awards 2023 ceremony in London, in recognition of his achievements in poverty alleviation and social development.
A development practitioner, Saqib founded Akhuwat Foundation in 2001, a microfinance institution that provides loans to the poor without charging interest on them. Akhuwat says it is the world’s largest interest-free microfinance program.
“I feel deeply honored and humbled to receive this global recognition,” Saqib said after receiving his award. “Thank you very much all. It is again a pleasure that I am receiving this award in the presence of so many leaders, men, and women who are changing this world,” he added.
Saqib dedicated his award to the people of Pakistan and volunteers who are striving “to build a better world. A world free of poverty, exploitation.”
Meanwhile, Pakistani entrepreneur and social activist Huma Fakhar also walked away with an award at the ceremony. Fakhar bagged the prestigious ‘Global Woman Inspiration Award’ at the ceremony.
Fakhar, who is the founder and CEO of Soultana Rice and Map Capital organizations, was recognized for her inspirational work in business.
As per local media reports, Fakhar has also been encouraging entrepreneurship at the school level, especially among girls, in orphanages in Pakistan so they may be able to earn livelihoods for themselves.