Motivation Behind Social Enterprise

Question: At what point did you realize the scale of poverty and feel compelled to act?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Growing up in our society, one cannot remain indifferent to the realities such as poverty, illiteracy, poor health and hopelessness around them. Every day, we encounter hunger, deprivation, and human suffering elderly individuals struggling for survival, children scavenging for food, and families trapped in cycles of poverty.

There is rarely a single defining moment. Rather, it is a gradual awakening shaped by observation, reflection, and empathy. Over time, one begins to ask: If I have been blessed, why should others remain deprived? This realization transforms into responsibility. Life, then, is no longer about personal success alone, but about uplifting others and addressing injustice.

Challenges in Leaving a Stable Career

Question: Did your family or peers discourage you from leaving a secure career?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Yes, leaving a stable career was not an easy decision. Many friends and well-wishers advised caution. However, important decisions must align with one’s inner conviction.

I evaluated my decision through four guiding principles: Pursuing work aligned with my passion.

Fully utilizing my capabilities.

Ensuring reasonable financial sustainability Contributing meaningfully to society.

Balancing these factors gave me the confidence to move forward despite reservations from others but I was also blessed to have support from some dear friends and family including my wife, who trusted my decision.

Support System at the Start

Question: Did you have support in the early days?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: I was never alone. One is never alone; the entire universe stands with you when you are in pursuance of a great cause. Akhuwat is not an individual effort, it is a collective philosophy.

Friends who shared the vision, and especially my family particularly my wife stood by me despite uncertainties. Whatever has been achieved is a shared accomplishment. True social impact is always the result of collective effort rooted in shared values.

Initial Fears and Uncertainty

Question: Did you experience fear at the beginning?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Interestingly, I did not fear external challenges. I viewed every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. My concern was internal whether my resolve would endure.

The real challenge is not the world outside, but sustaining commitment within. Fear often arises from doubting one’s own perseverance, not from external obstacles.

Structuring Akhuwat’s Model

Question: How was Akhuwat’s model designed, and has it evolved?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: The core principle has remained unchanged: solidarity and dignity.

From the beginning, the idea was simple yet powerful—those with means support those without, creating a cycle of compassion and empowerment without any discrimination. This was operationalized through interest-free microfinance, community-based lending, and mentorship.

While the scale of operations has grown significantly, our philosophy remains intact: bridging economic divides, fostering dignity, and enabling opportunity. Innovation has been integrated, but always within the framework of Mawakhat—brotherhood and shared responsibility – an idea presented by Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Addressing Economic Inequality

Question: How can widening inequality be addressed?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Poverty persists not due to scarcity, but due to unequal distribution of resources. Addressing inequality requires both systemic reform and moral responsibility—ethical leadership, transparent governance, and a culture of sharing. Wealth must circulate to create opportunity.

When guided by ethical values, economic systems can promote inclusion, mobility, and dignity. Otherwise, concentration of wealth leads to inequality, stagnation and division.

Systemic Challenges in Pakistan

Question: What are the root causes of systemic failures in Pakistan?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: These challenges are multidimensional: social, economic, environmental and political. Progress requires three elements working together:

Ethical leadership Strong institutions.

Consistency and perseverance.

Leadership without systems is ineffective; systems without integrity collapse.

We need vision-driven leadership, efficient and accountable institutions, and a strong ethical foundation. Only then can sustainable and inclusive progress be achieved.

Integrating Islamic Principles

Question: How are Islamic values reflected in Akhuwat’s work?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Islam emphasizes both devotion to God and responsibility toward humanity.

At Akhuwat, these principles are translated into action interest-free finance, brotherhood/sisterhood, social justice, and compassion. We strive to create a system where dignity replaces dependency, and generosity becomes a societal norm. This is how ethical values can drive real, nationwide or universal transformation.

Financial Sustainability

Question: How does Akhuwat remain financially sustainable?

Dr. Amjad Saqib:  Akhuwat combines professional management with a social mission.

Our funds come primarily from individuals and institutions committed to giving. Sustainability is ensured through transparency, efficiency, and prudent financial management.

Every rupee is treated as a trust. This balance between purpose and discipline allows us to remain both impactful and sustainable. Recently, we have started different initiatives in collaboration with the State as well.

Retaining Young Talent

Question: How can youth be encouraged to stay and contribute locally?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Education must shape both skills and values. Success should not be defined solely by wealth, but by usefulness to others.

Opportunities for impact exist within our own society. When young people align purpose with societal needs, they find both fulfillment and meaning.

Personal Sacrifices

Question: What sacrifices have you made?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: What may appear as sacrifice is, in reality, fulfillment and responsibility.

Time, effort, and challenges become meaningful when aligned with purpose. The true reward lies in seeing lives transformed, experiencing inner peace, and contributing to something greater than oneself.

Women Empowerment

Question: How do you view women’s role in entrepreneurship?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Women demonstrate remarkable resilience, commitment, and discipline.

Empowerment is not merely about capability, it is about creating equal opportunities and enabling environments where women can thrive independently.

Stress Management in Leadership

Question: How do you manage stress?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Focus on effort rather than outcomes.

When one knows they have done their best, stress diminishes. Patience, reflection, and a higher sense of purpose provide balance. Simple habits walking, hydration, prayer and movement also help regulate emotions. Connection with Creator is a true source of strength.

Values for Young People

Question: What principles should youth follow?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Few timeless values:

Integrity, Empathy, Courage to know, Sincerity and selflessness. These are practical principles for life, leadership, and service.

Succession Planning

Question: How do you ensure continuity?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Succession is about transferring values, not titles.

Through education and mentorship, we nurture individuals who carry forward the philosophy of Akhuwat. True continuity lies in preserving purpose and nurturing new leaders.

Legacy

Question: How would you like your work to be remembered?

Dr. Amjad Saqib: Legacy is not about recognition , it is about service.

If Akhuwat is remembered as an effort that reduced suffering and empowered people with dignity, that is enough. The true measure lies in impact, not in fame.