The College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) hosted its grand 26th Annual Convocation at the historic Faletti’s Hotel in Lahore. The ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of graduating students from five key departments of the institution. This prestigious event highlighted COTHM’s commitment to excellence in hospitality, culinary arts, travel & tourism, and food sciences.

The convocation was graced by eminent personalities from various walks of life, including educationists, industry professionals, and public figures. Malik Ahmad Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, was the chief guest of the ceremony. Other prominent guests of honor included:

1. Rana Sikandar Hayat – Provincial Minister for School Education, Punjab

2. Muhammad Asim Javed (PAS) – Director General, Punjab Food Authority

3. Mian Abuzar Shad – President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI)

4. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt – Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education & Professional Training

5. Adnan Afzal Chattha – Chairman, Punjab CM’s Task Force for Skills Development

6. Veteran journalists and analysts Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami and Suhail Warraich

Several other distinguished personalities from academic and social circles also attended, including:

1. Prof. Dr. Zeb-un-Nisa Hussain – Vice Chancellor, University of Home Economics, Lahore

2. Dr. Rubina Zakir – Director, Institute of Sociology and Cultural Studies, Punjab University

3. Shahid Nazir Chaudhry – Vice President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce

4. Colonel (R) Mubashir Javed – Former Lord Mayor of Lahore

5. Dr. Iram Anjum – Principal, Kinnaird College for Women

The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem, followed by a warm welcome from the stage host. Ahmed Shafiq, Founder, President & CEO of COTHM, delivered the welcome address, congratulating the students on their achievements and encouraging them to pursue future endeavors with passion and commitment. He thanked the guests and reaffirmed COTHM’s mission to produce skilled professionals for the global hospitality and tourism industry.

Graduating students received their certificates in the following departments:

1. Hospitality Management

2. Culinary Arts

3. Travel, Tourism & Airline Management

4. Food, Nutrition & Safety Sciences

5. Baking & Patisserie

The following credentials were awarded:

1. Postgraduate and Graduate Diplomas

2. Associate Degrees

3. General Diplomas

4. Skills Certifications (e.g., International Hotel Operations, Professional Cookery, and Culinary Arts)

Students and faculty members who demonstrated exceptional performance were honored with awards such as:

1. Certificates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Positions

2. Gold Medals

3. Presidential Awards

4. Faculty Shields

5. Honorary Certificates for Guests of Honor

These accolades served as a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and outstanding contributions of individuals towards COTHM’s growth and success.

The ceremony concluded with a memorable group photo session and a grand refreshment service, marking the day as a celebration of success, dignity, and inspiration.

This convocation not only showcased COTHM’s high academic standards but also emphasized the growing importance of tourism and hospitality sectors in Pakistan, which are poised to play a pivotal role in the national economy.