LAHORE – Akhuwat, a microfinance organisation which lends interest-free loans, organised a vigil at the Canal Bank to express solidarity with the poor. The vigil rally started from the Jail Road Underpass and ended at the Mall Road Underpass. Participants were holding lights, placards and banners in support of a more equitable society. Most of the participants were students and people who had set up businesses after taking interest-free loans from Akhuwat. Singer Abrarul Haq attended the vigil and praised Akhuwat’s vision.
Akhuwat: Akhuwat is dedicated to improving the lives of the poor; those who are financially abused, abandoned and disregarded by society. As a registered non-governmental organization, Akhuwat provides the poor with interest-free loans so that they may acquire a livelihood and the skills and support they need to reach their full potential. To this end, Akhuwat raises its funds from Civil Society. It does not depend on international funding; instead it uses the spirit of volunteerism and the tradition of giving, a cardinal principle of all religions.
Akhuwat’s philosophy is based on the principle of Qarze-e-Hasna, helping someone in need with interest-free loans, which is favored over charity. From a first loan of Rs. 10,000, Akhuwat’s total disbursement is now reaching Rs. 1 Billion in just ten years benefiting more than 86,000 families.
