In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan, the federal government has appointed a seasoned private-sector professional to the critical post of Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunications. Zarrar Hasham Khan, formerly a senior executive at Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), has been selected for the role through an open market process.
Khan’s appointment marks a significant departure from the traditional practice of filling such positions with government bureaucrats. The Selection Board, chaired by Federal Minister Ahad Cheema, interviewed several candidates and ultimately chose Khan based on his impressive qualifications and experience.
Khan will be the first Federal Secretary in the IT and Telecom sector to be appointed on a Special Professional Pay Scale One (SPSS-1). His appointment has been officially confirmed by the Prime Minister.
Khan brings a wealth of experience in the technology and telecom industry to his new role. With over two decades of experience under his belt, he has held leadership positions at major telecom companies both domestically and internationally. His most recent position was as Chief Technology Officer at Saudi Telecom Company (STC) in Kuwait, where he oversaw one of the largest 5G deployments globally in 2019.
Khan’s appointment is seen as a positive development for Pakistan’s IT and telecom sector, as it signals a growing recognition of the importance of industry expertise in government roles. It is hoped that his leadership will help drive innovation and growth in these critical sectors.
