Founder, President, and CEO of the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM), Ahmad Shafiq, is being hailed as the visionary leader who transformed cooking in Pakistan from a traditionally learned trade into a structured culinary profession aligned with international standards.
For decades, cooking in Pakistan remained a largely informal and often overlooked field, lacking professional recognition, academic pathways, and global exposure. Ahmad Shafiq challenged this outdated concept by introducing modern culinary education through COTHM, reshaping it into a respected career that produces skilled professionals capable of competing on the world stage.
Through internationally benchmarked curricula, professional kitchens, and industry-integrated training, COTHM under Ahmad Shafiq’s leadership has developed a new generation of chefs trained in classical, contemporary, and global cuisines. His mission was not only to create employment opportunities, but also to polish Pakistani youth into disciplined culinary professionals who meet international hospitality and food service standards.
What was once a neglected sector has now emerged as a source of national pride. Today, Pakistani chefs trained under this modern culinary system are working across continents, representing diverse cultures, cuisines, and organizations. From luxury hotels and cruise lines to international competitions and culinary institutes, they are making their mark and enhancing Pakistan’s image worldwide.
Industry observers note that Ahmad Shafiq’s efforts did more than build an institution. They revived a forgotten field, gave it professional dignity, and turned it into a global success story. By breaking old perceptions and investing in culinary excellence, he enabled Pakistani chefs to carry the country’s honor beyond borders and showcase its talent to the world.
As Pakistani culinary professionals continue to gain recognition internationally, Ahmad Shafiq is increasingly being acknowledged as the driving force behind a movement that made culinary arts glorious in Pakistan and transformed cooking into a respected global profession.
