Lahore celebrated a milestone for Pakistan’s hospitality sector at the Pakistan NextGen Hospitality Challenge 2025 (PNHC 2025). Ahmad Shafiq, Founder, President & CEO of COTHM, delivered a keynote speech that inspired students, industry leaders, and mentors.
COTHM’s Commitment to Hospitality Growth
Highlighting COTHM’s unmatched role in hospitality education, Ahmad Shafiq proudly stated:
“COTHM has already delivered 75,000 skilled professionals to the industry, with 20,000 more ready to shine and lead. We are the best hospitalitarians, and with the right handholding, we can excel in every walk of life.”
His words reflected not only achievement but also vision, setting the tone for Pakistan’s future in global hospitality.
Enthusiastic Student Participation
The event was filled with energy as student teams from COTHM campuses nationwide participated. From warm welcomes and photography sessions to vibrant networking, the environment showcased both professional excellence and youthful enthusiasm.
Competitions that Built Future Leaders
The PNHC 2025 featured six exciting categories:
- Front Office Management
- Food & Beverage / Restaurant Service
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Sales & Marketing Management
- Strategic Thinking in Hospitality
- Tourist Destination Management
These competitions encouraged creativity, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that define the next generation of hospitality professionals in Pakistan.
Cultural Performances Showcasing Diversity
Adding color to the evening, cultural performances and documentaries highlighted Pakistan’s diverse traditions. Teams proudly represented their regions through:
- Sufi whirling dance
- Punjab’s Bhangra
- Sindh’s Jhummar
- Balochistan’s Leva
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Attan
This cultural showcase blended hospitality with heritage, leaving the audience mesmerized.
COTHM’s Vision for Global Collaboration
Acknowledging the hard work of faculty, mentors, and management, Ahmad Shafiq announced that COTHM will host an international hospitality event on April 8–11, 2026. This promise strengthens Pakistan’s position in global hospitality and creates new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Celebrating Hospitality Excellence
The event concluded with awards, certificates, and special recognitions for students, mentors, and executive members. More than just a competition, PNHC 2025 became a celebration of Pakistan’s hospitality potential.
With inspiration from Ahmad Shafiq’s words, students are now motivated to step forward with passion and confidence as ambassadors of COTHM hospitality in Pakistan.
