Mawakhat, which means “solidarity between the haves and the have-nots,” refers to a pivotal period in Islamic history when immigrants known as the Muhajireen moved to Medina to escape religious persecution. The spirit of kinship that drives Akhuwat’s work is exemplified by the way the Ansar, or helpers, of Medina welcomed the migrants without expecting anything in return and gave away half of their wealth to assist them in starting a new life.
Pakistan experienced the most deadly floods of recent years in the summer of 2022. Between July and August, the monsoon brought record amounts of rain, totaling 370 millimeters—roughly 220 percent more than the average. In addition to melting glaciers as a result of climate change, the unrelenting rains caused severe flooding across the nation. The floods claimed the lives of 1,700 people out of the 33 million Pakistanis affected. Crops, livestock, homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods were also affected. Over 2 million homes across the nation sustained total or partial damage as a result of the floods. Through interest-free loans, Akhuwat assisted in the construction of more than 6,000 houses for the affected across Pakistan’s four provinces. In addition, by providing interest-free loans to over 10,000 farmers and entrepreneurs, Akhuwat was able to successfully support them.
The stories in Mawakhat take us to various parts of Pakistan and show us the lives of flood victims who were left homeless. In the face of adversity, their vulnerability and unstoppable strength are captured in these stories. They share with us the suffering they went through during the floods and the suffering they endured after losing their homes. They also talk to us about their hopes and dreams and how excited they are to start over.
Dr. Sohail Chughtai
Chairman Chughtai Foundation
Every frame in the book Mawakhat tells a story. This book tells the stories of Pakistan’s brave and resilient people in the aftermath of the devastating floods in 2022. It covers four provinces and features over one hundred portraits and stories.
Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance (AIM) has been the cornerstone of our efforts since its launch in 2001. To date, it has disbursed more than PKR 230 billion in interest-free loans to 4 million families across Pakistan. Beyond microfinance, Akhuwat also works in the field of education under the umbrella of Akhuwat Education Services (AES). With a network of schools and colleges, Akhuwat ensures that children from underserved communities have access to quality education. Other projects include Akhuwat Clothes Bank (ACB), Akhuwat Khwajasira Support Program (AKSP), Akhuwat Relief and Disaster Management Program (ARDM) and Akhuwat Community Development Program. All of Akhuwat’s initiatives work with the common objective of creating a poverty-free and prosperous society.
Before establishing Akhuwat, Dr. Saqib served in the Civil Services of Pakistan in the District Management Group (DMG). He also served as the General Manager of the Punjab Rural Support Program (PRSP). He had witnessed the devastating impact of poverty which encouraged him to dedicate his life to alleviating the suffering of the poor. One of Akhuwat’s initial loans was granted to a widow from Rasool Park where she was presented with Rs. 10,000 (USD 200 at the time) in the form of an interest-free loan. She bought herself two new sewing machines with this amount, earned a decent living, sent her children to school, and married her daughters in a simple wedding ceremony. She returned after 6 months to return the loan along with a request to give this money to someone else in need.
For the first eighteen months, Akhuwat didn’t have a proper office and was managed from a small cabin within the premises of PRSP. However, Mawakhat, the spirit of solidarity, and the commitment of the Akhuwat team persevered. More than two decades later, Akhuwat has disbursed more than PKR 230+ billion and opened offices in 350+ cities in Pakistan. Akhuwat has also spread its roots to other areas of life, such as education, healthcare, community development, and post-disaster rehabilitation.
