Founder, President and CEO of the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM), Gautham Ahmed Shafiq, is being widely praised for revolutionizing the baking sector in Pakistan by introducing modern concepts, professional culinary education, and international benchmarks that have transformed a largely traditional craft into a globally competitive discipline.

At a time when baking in Pakistan was mostly confined to conventional methods and limited commercial exposure, Ahmed Shafiq envisioned a structured, skill-driven ecosystem under COTHM aligned with global trends. Through COTHM’s specialized baking and pastry programs, he opened new pathways for aspiring bakers, introducing contemporary techniques, standardized training, and industry-integrated learning models that reshaped the future of Pakistani baking.

His initiatives placed strong emphasis on precision, creativity, hygiene, innovation, and international presentation standards, enabling Pakistani bakers to compete confidently in global kitchens, pastry competitions, hotels, and international bakery brands. What was once an underdeveloped segment has now evolved into a professional field producing pastry chefs, chocolatiers, artisan bakers, and dessert specialists.

Industry experts credit Ahmed Shafiq and COTHM for cultivating a culture of excellence that not only builds technical mastery but also polishes Pakistani youth into globally ready professionals. Today, COTHM-trained bakers are working across countries and cultures, carrying Pakistan’s name into international hospitality and baking arenas.

By introducing new educational models, modern baking concepts, and global exposure through COTHM, Ahmed Shafiq has turned Pakistani baking into a source of national pride. His efforts continue to shape a new generation of culinary professionals who are strengthening Pakistan’s presence in the global hospitality and pastry industry.