Two British-Pakistanis win awards for Islamic Finance, Cybersecurity

London: Two distinguished British-Pakistanis were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Islamic financing and British public life at a prestigious awards ceremony in London. The ceremony honored Asim Khan, founder of an Islamic finance group, and Ahmed Junaid, a cybersecurity expert, for their exceptional achievements in their respective fields.

Asim Khan received the Global Islamic Finance Leadership Award 2024, acknowledging his influential role in advancing Islamic finance on a global stage. With a career spanning the Asian subcontinent, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Europe, Asim has established himself as a leading figure in Islamic finance. He has held significant positions at PwC, KPMG, and Deutsche Bank and is known for providing innovative solutions across various sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, and healthcare.

In his acceptance speech, Asim expressed his gratitude, stating, “This award is not just a recognition of the work we have done but also a testament to the growth and importance of Islamic finance. I dedicate this award to the entire team at Khalij Group and the broader Islamic finance community.”

He concluded with a forward-looking message: “I accept this honour with deep humility and a renewed commitment to push the boundaries of what Islamic finance can achieve. Let’s continue to build a world where finance serves the greater good, and where ethical and sustainable practices become the cornerstone of global prosperity.”

Ahmed Junaid was awarded for his excellence in the cyber industry, recognizing his exceptional skill and innovation in global network and security consulting. In his early 30s, Ahmed has swiftly ascended to the top of his profession, becoming one of the few professionals of Pakistani origin to achieve global recognition in cybersecurity.

Ahmed’s career is marked by the attainment of the rare and highly coveted double Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certifications, credentials held by fewer than 500 experts worldwide. He has contributed his expertise to a roster of high-profile clients, including Fortune 500 companies such as Tesco International, Shell Global, and ABB.

Speaking to media, Ahmed expressed his surprise and gratitude, saying, “I am humbled, honoured, and pretty much shaken! I can’t believe a backbencher, most bullied at school and almost written off, could actually hold this global award in his hands.” He dedicated the award to Arshad Nadeem for his inspiring achievements and to his family for their unwavering support.

Ahmed further highlighted the significance of his expertise, noting, “As far as I am aware, I am the only Pakistan-origin CCDE in the world or amongst the very few. This expertise enabled me to secure the Transport for London and the British Houses of Parliament. So, whenever you travel in the tube or pass by the Parliament House at Westminster Palace, feel with pride that some Pakistan-origin expertise is also serving these great institutions.”