Youth Leadership & Interest-Free Microfinance Highlighted at Hamdard University Seminar -

TIMES REPORT

ISLAMABAD : Developing future-ready leadership skills and expanding access to interest-free microfinance are critical to youth empowerment, employment and poverty alleviation. These themes were highlighted at a seminar titled “Unveiling Pathways to Empowerment: Ignite Your Passion for Innovation & Change” at Hamdard University Islamabad Campus.
Jointly organized by the Faculties of Social Sciences and Management Sciences under the leadership of Dr. Ansar Abbas, Associate Dean, the seminar featured Zeeshan Ur Rehman Awan, Advisor at the Embassy of Japan, Islamabad, and Arshad Mehmood, Project Manager at Akhuwat, who shared practical perspectives on professional development and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on leadership beyond graduation, Zeeshan Ur Rehman Awan drew on his two decades of experience with foreign diplomatic missions to emphasize integrity, communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, adaptability and digital and artificial intelligence literacy. He stressed that continuous learning, professional networking and responsible decision-making are essential for young people entering a competitive and rapidly changing job market.
Arshad Mehmood outlined Akhuwat’s interest-free microfinance model, which seeks to reduce poverty by enabling economically disadvantaged individuals and families to establish small businesses, strengthen livelihoods and improve their living conditions. He highlighted the principles of compassion, social solidarity, volunteerism, non-discrimination and community participation underpinning the model.
According to figures presented at the seminar, Akhuwat had disbursed approximately 6.9 million interest-free loans worth PKR 422.44 billion as of September 30, 2026, reflecting the scale of its microfinance operations in Pakistan.
The seminar opened with a welcome address by Quraba Tul Naseem, Lecturer at Hamdard University. Dr. Ali Raza Hamid, Professor at the university, delivered the concluding remarks, followed by the presentation of commemorative shields to the guest speakers.
The seminar brought together academic learning and professional experience, highlighting the importance of leadership, entrepreneurship and inclusive financial opportunities in preparing young people to contribute to socioeconomic development.