October 29, – Brampton, ON As Canada’s unemployment rate lingers at a multi-year high of 7.1%—with youth joblessness hitting a 15-year peak of 14.7%—the Canadian Association of Pakistani Pharmacists (CAPP) is stepping up its efforts to bridge gaps in healthcare access, job placement, and senior support for the Pakistani diaspora. In an exclusive interview with journalist Farooq Mirza, CAPP leaders Shamsul Huda and Riaz Ahmed outlined their upcoming annual get-together and a decade-long legacy of community service, emphasizing knowledge-sharing, networking, and practical aid in a challenging economic landscape.
Founded as a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization, CAPP represents over 120 Pakistani-origin pharmacists in Canada—both qualified professionals and those seeking certification. With a network spanning 150 active members and connections to nearly 500 individuals via Facebook and WhatsApp, the group focuses on empowering newcomers, retirees, and seniors through education, job referrals, and health awareness. “Our primary objective is to support newcomers, specifically pharmacists, in seamlessly integrating into the mainstream,” states the organization’s website, highlighting its role in exam preparation, licensing assistance, and professional development. As Canada grapples with economic pressures, including a surprising September job gain of 60,400 that failed to dent the overall 7.1% unemployment rate, CAPP’s initiatives offer a vital lifeline for immigrant professionals facing barriers in housing, employment, and post-retirement finances.
On November 15, 2025, CAPP will host its flagship event—a community get-together—at the Galaxy Grand Banquet Hall in Brampton (200 Advance Blvd). Open to all, with a $50 entry fee, the gathering aims to unite pharmacists, lawyers, businessmen, and representatives from allied groups like Unity in the Community, Muslim Welfare, and Time TV. Expected to draw from CAPP’s broad network of 30 affiliated forums across Toronto, Milton, Oakville, and beyond, the event will feature updates on CAPP’s activities, health seminars, and networking opportunities.
Shamsul Huda, CAPP’s Director, underscored the event’s role in fostering solidarity. “Our main objective is to unite our community and maintain links with other Pakistani communities,” Huda said. “We invite everyone—pharmacists, community reps—to gather, share what we do, and plan ahead. We’re looking for sponsors; we already have some lined up, but more support means more help for those in need.” Huda highlighted aid for seniors requiring medication guidance, job seekers in pharmacy, and educational setups in institutes. Time TV, a key partner, sponsors TV programs on topics like diabetes and gut microbiome, amplifying CAPP’s reach.
The urgency is palpable as winter approaches; Huda urged RSVPs within 10-15 days to ensure smooth planning. “Anybody can come—it’s open. If you want to sponsor or participate, we’re ready,” he added, extending invitations to health-related groups for cross-community dialogue.
Riaz Ahmed, CAPP’s Coordinator, traced the organization’s roots to a realization 8-10 years ago: the need to serve the growing Pakistani pharmacist community. “We organized, registered CAPP, and now it’s functioning alhamdulillah,” Ahmed shared. With over 150 members, the group operates a robust digital ecosystem—WhatsApp for real-time coordination, Facebook for 500+ followers, and an evolving website—to disseminate daily health innovations.
CAPP’s mandate centers on “sharing knowledge” in a field evolving with new research on diabetes, cholesterol, and Alzheimer’s. Ahmed detailed proactive efforts: TV appearances during COVID to answer public queries; seminars on relieving health issues; and collaborations with colleges, including a new department at Ultra College for certifying newcomers in health-related fields. “If pharmacy jobs are scarce, we pivot to production roles in big pharmaceutical companies,” Ahmed explained. “We’ve placed people there—starting them earning something related to their expertise.”
Networking is core: CAPP links with lawyers for legal aid, Unity in the Community for housing and blood donation drives, and 30 forums for chain support. “We can’t do it alone; we’ve provided a platform where 150 people share expertise, businesses, and ideas,” Ahmed said. For seniors—often hit hardest by health woes and isolation—CAPP offers free counseling, prescription writing by registered members, and referrals to member-owned pharmacies. “Seniors face more issues after 45-50; we educate on diabetes and cholesterol, advise legitimately,” he noted.
Ahmed’s personal story illustrates CAPP’s focus on post-career challenges. Arriving in Canada 27-28 years ago, he built a career but retired two years ago to insufficient pensions. “Retirement money isn’t enough to run your kitchen—expenses are the main thing,” Ahmed recounted. “We didn’t work full 40 years here, so benefits are limited. We push safe investments with returns, sharing my experience to resolve issues.”
In a nation where unemployment has swelled—reaching levels that could equate to hundreds of thousands affected amid a softening job market— CAPP has served dozens through job placements and housing aid via partners. “The crisis is unemployment and housing; we’ve helped those without homes,” Huda affirmed. Ahmed estimated CAPP’s direct impact: from initial low engagement to gradual growth, now assisting 150+ members and rippling to 500 via social channels. “We’ve been linked with communities for years—the biggest is Unity in the Community. Recently, we formed a new health group for seniors’ education and issue resolution.”
The duo stressed inclusivity: no restrictions on aid, prioritizing health but extending to all. “Our first priority is health-safe, but we chain-work with any community to help as much as our capacity allows,” Huda said.
CAPP’s model—legitimate, government-attached with bylaws and audited accounts—positions it as a beacon for immigrant professionals. As Canada’s Pakistani community swells, groups like CAPP not only preserve cultural ties but address systemic gaps. “We’re in touch with everyone—lawyers, other groups—but our goal is non-profitable service,” Ahmed concluded.
With the November 15 event looming, Huda and Ahmed called for participation: “Come, communicate, help each other. For health referrals, go through CAPP—our people will assist, especially seniors.” Scientific updates on their platforms ensure evidence-based advice, from microbiome research to diabetes breakthroughs.
In an era of economic uncertainty, CAPP exemplifies resilience: turning personal hurdles into collective strength. As Ahmed put it, “It’s all sharing—we connect people however we can, and we’ve done this for years.”
