Muhammad Shahzaib

Where the journey began

Assalam-o-Alaikum. My name is Muhammad Shahzaib, and I am an active member of the People’s Reach Foundation (PRF) through its Candle to Candle (C2C) Program.

I am currently pursuing the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). I am a CA Finalist and am completing my articleship at an audit firm in Karachi, Pakistan.

I come from a modest family in a small village near Faisalabad. I completed Matriculation from the Government High School in my village with 90% marks, and later secured 90% marks in FSc (Pre-Medical) as well.

Due to financial difficulties, I was unable to continue my studies in the medical field and was on the verge of discontinuing my education altogether.

Finding PRF

What seemed like the end of my academic journey became the beginning of a new chapter. A school friend of my mother introduced me to Auntie Tasnim Kausar, an active donor of PRF, who later connected me with Uncle Rashid Ahmad and the People’s Reach Foundation.

During one of the most challenging periods of my life, Auntie Tasnim and Uncle Rashid supported me through PRF’s Candle to Candle Program. With their encouragement and support, I moved from my village to Lahore and began my CA journey. Since then, the program has been covering my educational and living expenses, enabling me to focus entirely on my studies and professional development.

More than scholarship support

My experience as a member of this program has been remarkable. PRF creates a sense of family among its members, where everyone can openly share experiences, seek guidance from professionals, and benefit from the wisdom of experienced PRF members. I have always found people here willing to help, guide, and support one another.

PRF does not simply send money and walk away. They stay in touch, mentor, and guide. They truly work hard to make the Candles succeed.

After completing my CAF (Certificate of Accounting and Finance) in 2025, I had to start the articleship required by ICAP. I applied to over 100 companies without getting a response and returned to my village in despair. Eventually, it was PRF’s professional network that guided me to successfully land an articleship. That is PRF.

Where I am today

By the grace of Allah, I am currently completing my articleship at a QCR-rated Category A firm, among the top audit and assurance firms in Pakistan, based in Karachi. Through this opportunity, I am gaining valuable exposure to the corporate world while pursuing a career in audit. At the same time, I continue working towards completing the remaining seven CA papers required to become the first Chartered Accountant in my family lineage.

My dream is to qualify as a Chartered Accountant during my training period, support my family financially, and, in turn, light more candles by supporting deserving students through the Candle to Candle Program, just as others once supported me.