In January 2006, Ahmad Shafiq took another significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s hospitality and culinary sectors by bringing chefs together under a national professional platform, the Chefs’ Association of Pakistan (CAP).
According to COTHM’s official history, Ahmad Shafiq brought together chefs from different parts of Pakistan and founded CAP in 2006 as an apolitical and nonprofit organization. The initiative was built around a broader vision for the culinary profession: creating a stronger professional community, supporting skills development, promoting recognition for chefs, and connecting Pakistani culinary professionals with international platforms.
At a time when professional networking and structured representation for culinary professionals were still developing in Pakistan, the establishment of CAP provided chefs with an organized platform through which they could share knowledge, strengthen professional standards, participate in competitions, and explore opportunities beyond the local market.
Leadership and Professional Development
Ahmad Shafiq’s association with CAP has continued through senior leadership roles. His professional profile identifies him as Founder Secretary General, while more recent CAP records identify him as President of the association.
Through CAP and its collaborations, the focus has remained on strengthening the professional identity of chefs and encouraging continuous learning. Culinary competitions, professional forums, educational activities, and international engagement have provided Pakistani chefs with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and gain greater exposure to global culinary standards.
This approach has also complemented the broader work of COTHM in professional hospitality and culinary education. By connecting education, skills, professional associations, and industry opportunities, the vision has contributed to creating a more structured pathway for young people seeking careers in the culinary field.
Connecting Pakistani Chefs with the World
A significant element of CAP’s development has been its international outlook. Pakistan’s participation in global culinary platforms and Worldchefs-related activities has provided local professionals with opportunities to interact with international culinary communities and showcase their skills on a wider stage.
COTHM and CAP have also supported participation in international culinary competitions and professional forums, helping Pakistani chefs gain experience in competitive environments while representing the country’s culinary talent internationally.
These platforms are important not only for individual professional growth but also for building recognition for Pakistan’s culinary sector. International competitions allow chefs to benchmark their technical abilities, learn contemporary practices, exchange ideas with peers, and bring new knowledge back to the local industry.
A Continuing Culinary Legacy
What began in 2006 with the coming together of chefs from across Pakistan developed into a national professional platform with an international outlook.
For Ahmad Shafiq, the establishment and continued development of CAP represents another dimension of his contribution to Pakistan’s hospitality and culinary landscape. Alongside educational initiatives, the association has helped create a space where chefs can connect, learn, compete, receive professional recognition, and engage with the international culinary community.
The journey from a group of professionals coming together in 2006 to a national platform connected with global culinary activities reflects the importance of organized professional communities in developing an industry.
Today, CAP remains part of the wider story of Pakistan’s evolving culinary profession, while its foundation continues to reflect a vision of professionalism, skills development, recognition, collaboration, and global engagement.
From building an institution for hospitality education to bringing chefs together under a national professional platform, Ahmad Shafiq’s journey reflects a continuing commitment to developing people, skills, and opportunities within Pakistan’s hospitality and culinary sectors.
