TORONTO (Mississauga, Ontario) — The Canadian Association of Pakistani Pharmacists (CAPP) hosted its annual gathering this weekend, uniting pharmacists, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and academics from across Canada. The event celebrated the achievements of Pakistani pharmacists and reaffirmed CAPP’s commitment to supporting internationally trained pharmacy graduates (IPGs).
Academic & Government Endorsements
Special messages from the University of Karachi and the Government of Ontario underscored CAPP’s expanding recognition.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Harris Shoaib, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Dean, praised the contributions of Pakistani pharmacists in Canada and highlighted his university’s ranking among the Top 200 global pharmacy institutions (QS Rankings).
Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, commended CAPP for advancing professional development and supporting internationally educated pharmacists across the province.
MPPs Dawn Gallagher Murphy and Zeeshan Hamid acknowledged pharmacists’ expanding scope in patient care, prescribing, and frontline healthcare delivery.
Keynote Address
Renowned Vancouver-based pharmacist Nadeem Zia, with 25+ years of experience, delivered an inspiring keynote on professional growth, community service, and the essential role of pharmacists during the pandemic.
Awards & Community Recognition
The evening featured cultural performances and a ceremony honouring community leaders and entrepreneurs.
Community Service Awards were presented to:
Fasih Syed (UIC – Unity in the Community)
Wajahat Faizan, Barrister-at-Law
Dr. Khalil Lakho – Ultrasound Institute & Research Center
Mohammad Nadeem – CEO, Times TV Digital Canada/USA
Mr. Wajahat Faizan received special recognition for distinguished honours including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Ontario Volunteer Service Award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Appreciation Awards were presented to:
Pharmacy Prep Tip (Mr. Misbah), Syed Law Firm (Syed Raza), Auro Pharma (Hussain Ahmad), Sharia Invest Canada (Pierre Zaheib), Dixie Electronics (Choudhry Saleem), and Shoppers Drug Mart (Mrs. Firdous).
CAPP Initiatives & Milestones
Chief Coordinator/Director Shamsul Hoda outlined major initiatives:
Ultrasound Certification Access for IPGs through special exemptions.
Industry Pathways: New Production and QA programs developed with academic partners.
Media Outreach: Seven health-focused episodes aired via Times TV Digital Canada.
Digital Growth: A new website and expansion into 30+ social media groups reaching 50,000+ members.
Financial Transparency: Ensured by key volunteers and directors.
Mentorship Support for newcomers led by senior pharmacists nationwide.
Advocacy Priorities
CAPP called for urgent action on two issues affecting internationally trained pharmacists:
1. Revising restrictive exam-attempt limits, which block qualified IPGs from licensure.
2. Launching paid, supervised co-op/internship programs to help newcomers gain Canadian practice experience.
Closing Message
Mr. Hoda thanked Directors Salman Quaisar, Reyaz Ahmad, and the entire executive team for their dedication. He reaffirmed CAPP’s vision of unity, professionalism, and collaboration, stating that empowering internationally trained pharmacists strengthens communities and advances healthcare across Canada.
