Mawakhat, meaning ‘solidarity between haves and have-nots,’ is a word associated with a pivotal moment in Islamic history, when citizens of Mecca, the Muhajireen or immigrants, relocated to Medina to escape religious persecution. The people of Medina, the Ansar or helpers, welcomed the migrants selflessly, sharing half of their wealth to help them start a new life; this is the spirit of kinship that inspires the work of Akhuwat.
In the summer of 2022, Pakistan faced the world’s deadliest floods of the last few years. The monsoon caused record levels of rainfall, totalling 370mm between July and August— about 210% above the average. The unrelenting rains, combined with melting glaciers due to climate change, resulted in severe flooding across the country. Out of the 33 million Pakistanis, who were impacted, 1,700 people lost their lives to the floods. In addition, crops, livestock, infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods were affected. The floods fully or partially damaged more than 2 million houses across the country.
Akhuwat carried out rehabilitation efforts across the four provinces of Pakistan and helped build about 6,000+ houses for the affectees through interest-free loans. Moreover, Akhuwat successfully supported over 10,000 entrepreneurs and farmers by providing them interest-free loans.
The stories from Mawakhat take us to different areas of Pakistan and reveal to us the lives of people who were left homeless by the floods. These stories capture their vulnerability and invincible strength in the face of crises. They share with us the pains they suffered during the floods and the misery that befall them after they lost their homes. They also share with us their dreams and hopes and how they look forward to rebuilding their lives.
Dr. Sohail Chughtai
Chairman Chughtai Foundation
Mawakhat is a book where every frame tells a story. Covering four provinces, this book features over one hundred portraits and stories and captures the struggles, hopes, and triumphs of the brave and resilient people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods of 2022.
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.
