5th Citi-PPAF Micro Entrepreneurship Awards, 2008, were held on December 01, 2008. These awards are given every year by Citibank and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund to recognize the achievements and contributions of individual micro entrepreneurs towards economic sustainability of their families as well as communities. Citi-PPAF Awards also aim at illustrating and promoting the effective role that microfinance has played in poverty alleviation around the world and thereby encourages and supports the growth of microfinance industry in Pakistan. Citibank runs this programme in 28 countries across the globe to create awareness about the microfinance industry and to support its growth through due recognition of outstanding micro entrepreneurs.

This year 300 applications were solicited under this programme from all major microfinance institutions across the country. The process of short listing involved several rounds of screening and the final selection was made by a jury of highly capable and renowned professionals.

The successful entrepreneurs were awarded cash prizes in a ceremony held in Islamabad by Mr. Shaukat Tareen, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs & Statistics. The National Best Female Entrepreneur Award of Rs. 150,000 was won by Ms. Sahibzaadi, a borrower of Sindh Agricultural and Forestry Workers' Coordinating Organization (SAFWCO) and The National Best Male Entrepreneur Award of an equal measure was won by Mr. Abdul Rehman, a borrower of Organization for Participatory Development (OPD).

Sofia Nelofar, a client of Khushhali Bank, Peshawar, was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 130,000 for winning the position of National Runner- up Best Female Entrepreneur. Her loan officer Anila Naimat was also awarded a prize for her efforts in reaching out to such enterprising entrepreneurs. At the regional level, Niaz Ahmed, a client of Khushhali Bank, Sukkur was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and his loan officer Siraj Ahmed also received a cash award.