The College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) successfully organized a high-impact seminar titled “Innovation for Aviation & Tourism Economy in Pakistan” at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad. The event brought together leading figures from the aviation and tourism sectors, academicians, policymakers, industry experts, and students from across the country.
The seminar focused on the critical role of innovation, aviation development, and tourism-led economic growth in Pakistan. Participants explored emerging trends in aviation, future policy directions, and Pakistan’s expanding opportunities within the global travel and tourism ecosystem.
The event opened with a welcome address by Mr. Ahmed Shafiq, CEO, Founder, and President of COTHM and CAP (Chefs’ Association of Pakistan). He shared his vision for strengthening aviation education, nurturing skilled talent, and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in global travel and tourism. His address emphasized academic excellence, aviation competency, and strong industry-academia linkages to empower the next generation of aviation professionals.
A key highlight of the seminar was the student airport model exhibition, where COTHM students presented creative and technically sound models inspired by international airport designs. The exhibition reflected students’ conceptual understanding, research capabilities, and future potential in the aviation and tourism sectors.
The seminar also featured an insightful panel discussion with prominent industry leaders, including:
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Mr. Masud A. Khan, Chairman, Khyber Group of Companies (Pvt.) Ltd., and Honorary Consul General of Lithuania in Pakistan
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Sardar Sajjad Hussain, Managing Director, Bukhari Travel & Tourism Services Pakistan
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Col. Jamal Malik, Head of Human Resource Development & AI, SIFC
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Mr. Obaid ur Rehman Abbasi, Aviation & Tourism Consultant; Former Director Law and Airport Manager Peshawar; CEO, Silk Roads Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.
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Mr. Ali Raza Hussain, Former Business Consultant (Education, Hospitality & Aviation); AI-based Online Learning Expert; Former Emirates/Dnata Controller, Corporate Trainer, and Industry Advisor
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Dr. Farhan Iftikhar Abbasi, Founder and CEO, PICK Airlines
Panelists shared valuable perspectives on aviation modernization, digital transformation, policy frameworks, training models, the travel economy, and Pakistan’s potential role in global aviation networks.
COTHM was further honored by the presence of the chief guest, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, CEO Centaurus, whose participation added depth to discussions on aviation education and tourism development in Pakistan.
The seminar reaffirmed COTHM’s long-standing commitment to aviation education, professional training, and the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Honorary shields were presented to the distinguished panelists and chief guest in recognition of their contributions to the industry, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony symbolizing unity and collaboration between academia and industry.
The event concluded on an optimistic note, highlighting the importance of continued industry-academia collaboration, progressive policy direction, and innovative learning pathways to support Pakistan’s evolving aviation and tourism landscape.
