Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib Honored with Brain of the Year Award 2025
London, UK — November 28, 2024
Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, the visionary founder of Akhuwat and a renowned Pakistani social entrepreneur, has been awarded the prestigious Brain of the Year Award 2025 by The Brain Trust. The announcement was made during an exclusive ceremony held at the British House of Commons, where Raymond Keene OBE, Grand Chessmaster and Chairman of The Brain Trust, presented the award.
Founded in 1990 by Tony Buzan, creator of Mind Maps, The Brain Trust is dedicated to advancing mental health globally through innovative research, funding, and initiatives that enhance cognitive and emotional well-being. The Brain of the Year Trophy, its highest honor, is presented annually to individuals making groundbreaking contributions to mental and societal advancement.
A Champion of Compassionate Innovation
During the ceremony, Raymond Keene OBE lauded Dr. Saqib for his transformative work in microfinance and poverty alleviation. As the founder of Akhuwat, the world’s largest Islamic microfinance institution, Dr. Saqib has redefined community-based financial empowerment by offering interest-free loans.
“Since its inception in 2001 with a modest fund of just $100, Akhuwat has disbursed over $1 billion in interest-free loans, impacting more than six million families in Pakistan,” said Keene. “Dr. Saqib’s vision of compassion and altruism has empowered countless individuals, enabling them to achieve economic independence and dignity.”
A Visionary for Human Development and Mental Well-Being
The Brain Trust praised Dr. Saqib’s innovative model as an example of how creative thinking, rooted in compassion, can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“Dr. Saqib’s pioneering approach to microfinance is not just about alleviating poverty; it uplifts the human spirit,” noted the citation. “His efforts highlight the transformative power of combining innovation with empathy to enhance the collective well-being of society.”
Keene emphasized the alignment between Dr. Saqib’s work and The Brain Trust’s mission to advance mental health and community empowerment. “Dr. Saqib exemplifies how one individual’s dedication to social justice can inspire widespread change,” he added.
Joining an Illustrious Legacy
Dr. Saqib now joins an elite circle of laureates who have previously received the Brain of the Year Award, including:
- Professor Stephen Hawking, the celebrated physicist;
- Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth;
- Garry Kasparov, former World Chess Champion and human rights advocate;
- Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek;
- Baroness Susan Greenfield, a leading neuroscientist;
- Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, five-time Olympic rowing champion; and
- Dominic O’Brien, eight-time World Memory Champion.
This accolade further cements Dr. Saqib’s reputation as a global leader in poverty alleviation, mental well-being, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
A Life Dedicated to Impact
Dr. Saqib’s contributions through Akhuwat have not only redefined microfinance but have also inspired a global movement rooted in compassion and equity. His recognition as Brain of the Year 2025 serves as a testament to the power of innovative thinking in creating lasting societal change.
