Over two decades ago, Waqas Amjad was a young boy facing an uncertain future. Life had suddenly become incredibly challenging when his father’s business collapsed, forcing the family to move to Lahore to rebuild their lives from scratch. At just 14, having recently completed his O Levels from Lawrence College Ghora Gali, Murree, Waqas found himself carrying the weight of his family’s financial burdens. As the only child, he had to juggle between working night shifts at call centers, attending classes in the morning, and giving home tuitions in the evenings—all in the pursuit of an education that seemed increasingly out of reach.

It was during this time that the Omar Aftab Memorial Trust stepped in, offering Waqas the financial support he needed to continue his education. The scholarship he received wasn’t just a contribution towards his tuition—it was a lifeline. It gave him the hope that his dreams of building a better future could still be realized, despite the difficulties he faced. It allowed him to stay in school, to continue learning, and to keep striving for something better, even when circumstances seemed insurmountable.

The impact of that scholarship was profound. Waqas’s passion for education never wavered, and the support from the trust helped him not only complete his studies but also build a career that today spans continents. Over the years, Waqas has worn many hats—working with clients across four continents, managing over 200 projects, and becoming a true “Swiss Army knife” of skills. From contributing to major public-private partnership initiatives in Pakistan to helping smallholder farmers gain financial inclusion through technology, his career has been about making a difference.

But for Waqas, the story has come full circle. The opportunity to now serve as a trustee of the very organization that once helped him is deeply meaningful. It is not just an honor; it is a responsibility—one that Waqas takes on with immense gratitude. He knows firsthand the difference that a helping hand can make. He knows the power of a scholarship, of someone believing in you when it seems the world is falling apart. Today, as a trustee, he is committed to providing that same hope, that same opportunity to other young boys and girls who, like him, dream of a better future but face obstacles that threaten to take it away.

Waqas’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of support. It is a testament to the mission of the Omar Aftab Memorial Trust and the life-changing impact they have had on countless students across Pakistan. His journey from a scholarship recipient to a successful professional and now a trustee embodies the trust’s vision: to empower underprivileged youth, give them a chance to succeed, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.