As many as Rs 50 million was disbursed among 1,500 deserving families as interest-free loan under Akhuwat Micro Finance, Chief Minster Self Employment Scheme meant to make them an effective and self-reliance member of the society.
The ceremony was held at the Central Mosque, University of Agriculture Faisalabad in which UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar was the chief guest. While, Chairman Steering Committee Akhuwat Pervez Khalid, UAF State Bank Chief Manager Waqas Kashif Bajwa, Incharge Cloth Bank Akhuwat Muhammad Aslam, Dr Nadeem, Institute of Horticulture UAF Director Dr Amanullah Malik, Dr Khalid Shouq, Akhuwat Regional Manager Khalid Mehmood, Akhuwat Area Manager Abdul Rasheed; Akhuwat’s Muhammad Aslam Javed , Saim Ahsan, Muhammad Abid and other notables also attended. Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar praised the measures adopted on the part of Akhuwat to hold the hands of those who didn’t have any ray of hope for the betterment in their lives. He said one third people were living below the poverty line in the country. He added that poverty can be alleviated through education, and skilled manpower. He viewed that education worked as the engine of a bright future of individuals and the society. He said that the journey of Akhuwat began 1400 years ago when brotherhood was established between migrants and the Ensar-e-Madina by the Last and Final Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). He added that life of Last and Final Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) guided us in every sphere of life. Pervez Khalid said that recovery rate of Akhuwat interest free loan was standing at 99 percent. He said that Akhuwat was set up in 2001 meant for giving interest-free microfinance to poor people to increase their standard of living. He said that Akhuwat is striving to alleviate poverty by creating a system based on mutual support in the society. Waqas Kashif Bajwa said that interest-free loan of Akjhuwat was being researched in the different countries as a successful model. Dr Aman Ullah Malik said that interest free loan for the deserving people was the hallmark step that will bring the prosperity and address their problems. Dr Khlaid Shouq said that it is a step towards making deprived segment of society self-reliance.