The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) recently launched the book Mawakhat: Stories of Resilience and Rebuilding After the 2022 Floods, compiled by Akhuwat Foundation. The book, featuring over a hundred compelling portraits and testimonies of families affected by the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan, showcases their journey toward recovery with the support of the Akhuwat Foundation.
A Significant Step Toward Recognizing Resilience
The book launch event featured prominent policymakers, scholars, and social development experts. Keynote speaker Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, former Minister of Information and Broadcasting, alongside Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Founder of Akhuwat, emphasized the significance of Mawakhat—an Islamic principle of solidarity deeply rooted in compassion and communal support.
A distinguished panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP), ISSI, included the following esteemed speakers:
- Dr. Muhammad Khalid Riaz, Chairman, Human Development Foundation
- Ambassador Seema Ellahi Baloch, Pakistan’s Former Ambassador to Poland
- Ms. Kiran Afzal, Senior Private Sector Specialist, World Bank
- Mr. Azhar Hamid, Global President of Akhuwat Foundation
- Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)
Key Highlights from the Discussion
Mawakhat: A Principle of Solidarity
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, elaborated on the book’s core theme of Mawakhat, which reflects the selfless welcoming of Muhajireen by the Ansar. He praised Dr. Amjad Saqib’s efforts in poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare, emphasizing that the book goes beyond storytelling—it is a blueprint for humanitarian sustainability. He also underscored the need for Pakistan’s humanitarian efforts to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure long-term climate resilience.
Akhuwat’s Transformational Impact
Dr. Amjad Saqib shared a deeply personal account of encountering a woman 25 years ago who refused charity, sparking the vision behind Akhuwat’s interest-free microfinance model.
- Akhuwat has supported over six million families, disbursing $1.5 billion in loans with an astounding 99.9% recovery rate.
- Its model is based on empowerment rather than dependence, ensuring dignity in financial assistance.
- Beyond microfinance, Akhuwat has expanded into free higher education initiatives, furthering its mission of poverty eradication through knowledge and skill-building.
Mawakhat in Global and Local Contexts
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed lauded Dr. Saqib’s humanitarian contributions, calling him a role model for Pakistan. He likened Mawakhat to international movements in social justice, resilience, and economic cooperation, and suggested that Dr. Saqib be recognized with a Nobel Prize for his work. He also connected Pakistan’s resilience to global struggles, including the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and Kashmiris, reinforcing solidarity as a global value.
Sustainable Development and Climate Finance
Dr. Abid Suleri highlighted Mawakhat’s role in achieving sustainable development, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. He reiterated that Pakistan should not suffer disproportionately from climate-induced disasters it did not cause and stressed the need for international climate financing. Documenting and quantifying the impact of grassroots initiatives like Akhuwat can bolster Pakistan’s case for securing climate-related aid and investment.
Building Credibility and Expanding Outreach
Mr. Azhar Hamid underscored the need to maintain transparency and credibility in Akhuwat’s operations. He emphasized how Akhuwat’s commitment to honesty and ethical financing has led to its expansion into Africa, where its best practices are being shared globally.
Women’s Empowerment and Psychological Resilience
Ambassador Seema Ellahi Baloch highlighted Akhuwat’s focus on women’s empowerment, noting that psychological trauma among disaster survivors must be addressed. She advocated for gender-sensitive disaster response policies, collaboration with affected communities, and future research on disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Urban Planning and Disaster Resilience
Ms. Kiran Afzal addressed Pakistan’s lack of proactive urban and spatial planning in response to climate disasters. She recommended:
- Tech-based disaster mitigation solutions
- Regenerative urban planning for long-term sustainability
- Community-driven disaster preparedness strategies
The Future of Humanitarian Aid in Pakistan
The event concluded with insights from Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, China-Pakistan Study Centre, ISSI, and Dr. Neelum Nigar, who stressed the transformative role of grassroots and community-led initiatives in disaster recovery.
Pakistan faces recurrent climate challenges, and Mawakhat serves as a powerful testament to resilience, solidarity, and the importance of community-driven rebuilding. By implementing sustainable development frameworks and leveraging innovative humanitarian approaches, Pakistan can build a more resilient future for its people.
