London: Pakistan’s prominent social entrepreneur and founder of Akhut, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, has been honored with the Brain of the Year Award 2025 by The Brain Trust. The announcement was made by Raymond Kenny OBE, Chairman of The Brain Trust and Grand Chess Master, at a function in the British House of Commons.
Founded in 1990 by Tony Buzan, the inventor of mind maps, The Brain Trust is dedicated to advancing global mental health through research, support and funding for individuals and organizations that improve and heal the brain. Promote activities.
The “Brain of the Year Trophy” is presented annually as the organization’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of human cognitive and mental well-being.
Raymond Kane OBE said that it has been decided to award the Pakistani businessman for his services to the common people of Pakistan. He said: “As the founder of Ikhwat, the world’s largest Islamic microfinance organization, Dr. Saqib has revolutionized the field by providing interest-free loans to the poor, operating on the principles of compassion and altruism.
Since its inception in 2001 with a modest seed fund of $100, Akhot has disbursed over $1 billion in interest-free loans, transforming the lives of over six million families across Pakistan. By promoting economic independence and dignity in disadvantaged communities, his work has empowered millions to break the chains of financial hardship.”
In its citation, The Brain Trust highlighted Dr. Saqib’s contribution to global mental health and human development. “Dr. Saqib has revolutionized the field of microfinance through Akhut, introducing a model that not only alleviates poverty but also elevates the human spirit. “His visionary leadership has It exemplifies how innovative thinking and compassionate action can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Dr. Saqib joins an impressive list of previous laureates who have left an indelible mark on the world.
They include Professor Stephen Hawking, the famous theoretical physicist known for his work on black holes and cosmology. Astronaut Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth and a lifelong advocate of science. Garry Kasparov, former world chess champion and human rights advocate; Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek; Neuroscientist Baroness Susan Greenfield focuses on brain mechanisms and Alzheimer’s disease. rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave CBE; and eight-time World Memory Champion Dominic O’Brien.