Dr. Amjad Saqib Receives Brain of the Year 2025 Award

Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, a prominent Pakistani social entrepreneur and founder of Akhuwat, has been awarded the Brain of the Year Award 2025 by The Brain Trust.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at the British House of Commons by Raymond Keene OBE, Grand Chessmaster and Chairman of The Brain Trust. Founded in 1990 by Tony Buzan, the creator of Mind Maps, The Brain Trust is committed to promoting global mental health through research, funding, and support for mind-enhancing and healing initiatives.

The Brain of the Year Trophy, the organization’s highest honor, is awarded annually to individuals who have significantly contributed to advancing human cognitive and mental well-being.

Recognizing Compassionate Innovation

Raymond Keene OBE highlighted Dr. Saqib’s exceptional service to the underprivileged in Pakistan. As the founder of Akhuwat, the world’s largest Islamic microfinance institution, Dr. Saqib has pioneered interest-free microloans, transforming the lives of millions.

“Since its establishment in 2001 with an initial fund of just $100, Akhuwat has disbursed over $1 billion in interest-free loans, positively impacting over six million families in Pakistan,” said Keene. “Through principles of compassion and altruism, Dr. Saqib has empowered countless individuals to achieve economic independence and dignity.”

A Visionary Leader in Mental Health and Human Development

The Brain Trust’s citation praised Dr. Saqib’s innovative approach to microfinance as a model that alleviates poverty while uplifting the human spirit. “Dr. Saqib’s work exemplifies the transformative power of combining innovative thinking with compassionate action to address global challenges,” the citation noted.

Raymond Keene added, “Dr. Saqib’s dedication to social justice, mental well-being, and community empowerment aligns seamlessly with The Brain Trust’s mission. His life’s work is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the collective well-being of society.”

Joining a Legacy of Excellence

Dr. Saqib now stands among an esteemed group of past laureates, including:

• Professor Stephen Hawking, celebrated physicist and cosmologist;
• Senator John Glenn, astronaut and first American to orbit Earth;
• Garry Kasparov, former World Chess Champion and human rights advocate;
• Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek;
• Baroness Susan Greenfield, neuroscientist focusing on brain mechanisms and Alzheimer’s disease;
• Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, Olympic rowing champion; and
• Dominic O’Brien, eight-time World Memory Champion.

This recognition underscores Dr. Saqib’s global contributions to mental health, poverty alleviation, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.