COTHM brought together Pakistan’s aviation, travel, tourism, and hospitality community in Lahore for what became the country’s biggest Civil Aviation Day celebration this year. The event, held at Alhamra Arts Council, showcased Pakistan’s aviation progress while highlighting the nation’s cultural identity, travel heritage, and growing tourism potential.
The day opened with a colourful balloon-releasing ceremony, setting an upbeat tone and symbolising the upward trajectory of Pakistan’s aviation sector. Industry leaders, airline executives, academics, and students participated, turning the moment into a lively visual introduction to the proceedings.
Throughout the event, key figures from the aviation and tourism landscape shared their insights on Pakistan’s evolving position in the region.
COTHM CEO Ahmad Shafiq welcomed the audience and underscored the institute’s expanding role in aviation education.
“Our goal is to develop aviation talent that meets international standards and represents Pakistan with confidence on the global stage,” he said.
Muneer Siddiqui, Chief Operating Officer of Flyadeal, spoke about regional collaboration and Pakistan’s potential.
“Events like these show that Pakistan is ready to build stronger partnerships across regional aviation markets. The talent and energy here give us reason to be optimistic.”
From the travel services sector, Seemab Zaman, GM Central & North Pakistan at Gerry’s International, highlighted the industry’s growing demand for trained professionals.
“The aviation and travel industry is expanding quickly, and Pakistan must invest in skilled manpower. Today’s gathering reflects a commitment to that future.”
Tourism’s broader outlook was presented by PTDC Managing Director Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, who emphasised the link between tourism development and aviation capacity.
“Tourism cannot grow without aviation, and aviation strengthens when tourism thrives. Pakistan has both the potential and the vision to move forward together.”
Representing the airline sector, Syed Abdullah Masood Bukhari, Regional Manager of Air Sial, applauded the confidence and participation of aviation students. “Seeing young aviation students present their work with confidence shows the direction our industry is heading. This new generation will redefine service standards.”
Jahanzeb Zafar, Manager of the Department of Travel, Tourism, Airline & Aviation Management at COTHM, briefed the audience on the institute’s aviation teaching environment. He highlighted COTHM’s state-of-the-art facilities, practical training approach, and industry-aligned curriculum. He also outlined the wide range of courses offered, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in Pakistan’s aviation and travel sectors. Moving further he introduced the new sectors in the department.
Adding to this, Hassan Bukhari, Regional Manager Gerry’s Group Central Punjab, called attention to industry-academia alignment. “COTHM’s efforts to bring students, industry, and experts together help close the skill gap and prepare future professionals for real-world aviation challenges.”
A notable feature of the event was a development connected to the UN Tourism 26th General Assembly, hinting at new opportunities for Pakistan’s aviation and tourism sectors. Though details will be shared officially at a later stage, the announcement added momentum to the occasion.
Aviation students brought remarkable creativity to the event by designing detailed airport models that showcased their understanding of operations, layout planning, and passenger experience. Their models reflected real industry practices and demonstrated how young professionals are already thinking with an international mindset.
Industry leaders took a keen interest in the students’ work, carefully judging each model and engaging with the participants. Many guests praised the effort, innovation, and confidence shown by the students, noting that such talent reflects a promising future for Pakistan’s aviation sector.
As a gesture of gratitude, all guest speakers were presented with shields, acknowledging their contribution to the industry and the ceremony. The celebration concluded on a festive note with a cake-cutting ceremony, bringing together faculty, aviation leaders, and students.
COTHM’s Civil Aviation Day coverage underscored the institution’s continued role in shaping Pakistan’s aviation workforce and highlighted the sector’s growing readiness to compete on the international stage.
