London – By Our Correspondent
Two distinguished British-Pakistanis were recently honored for their outstanding contributions to Islamic finance and cybersecurity in the UK. Asim Khan, a prominent figure in Islamic finance and the founder of an Islamic finance group, received the prestigious Global Islamic Finance Leadership Award 2024. Ahmed Junaid, a recognized cybersecurity expert, was also awarded for his exceptional work in the cyber industry.
Asim Khan’s career spans across the Asian subcontinent, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Europe, where he has played a pivotal role in Islamic finance, particularly in real estate, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors. His leadership in advancing Islamic finance has been widely acknowledged. Upon receiving his award, Khan expressed his gratitude to the jury, stating, “This award is not only a recognition of the work we have done but also a testament to the growth and importance of Islamic finance.” He dedicated the award to his team at Khalij Group and the wider Islamic finance community, promising to continue pushing the boundaries of what Islamic finance can achieve for the greater good.
On the other hand, Ahmed Junaid, still in his early 30s, has rapidly risen in the global cybersecurity arena. His achievements include securing high-profile projects for local UK governments and the private sector, earning him widespread recognition. Junaid holds rare certifications such as the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE), making him one of the few professionals of Pakistani origin to attain such expertise. Overjoyed by his award, Junaid reflected on his challenging journey, saying, “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 his award to Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem, who brought global recognition to Pakistan, as well as to his family and team for their unwavering support.
Both men exemplify the remarkable contributions of the British-Pakistani community to UK public life, with their work influencing sectors that are critical to modern society, from ethical finance to cybersecurity.
