PTCL has appointed Zarrar Hasham Khan as its new chairman, replacing Azfar Manzoor. The announcement was made through an official notification sent to PSX on Tuesday, marking a significant leadership change at one of Pakistan’s largest telecom companies. The company confirmed Khan’s appointment, stating that his tenure as chairman took effect on March 10, 2025. With extensive experience in the technology and telecommunications sectors, Khan is expected to play a crucial role in shaping PTCL’s strategic direction in an evolving digital landscape.
Khan, who has been serving as the Secretary of the Information Technology and Telecom Division since September 2024, has over two decades of expertise in the industry. His career has been marked by key leadership roles across prominent telecom firms, both in Pakistan and internationally. A graduate of the prestigious Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), Khan has further refined his knowledge through executive education programs at Harvard Business School, Oxford University, and London Business School. Additionally, he holds an MBA from the University of Warwick, strengthening his credentials in business strategy and leadership.
One of the notable highlights of Khan’s career includes his tenure as the Chief Technology Officer at Saudi Telecom Company (STC) in Kuwait. During his time at STC, he played a vital role in overseeing the deployment of one of the world’s largest 5G networks in 2019, a project that significantly boosted the region’s digital infrastructure. His experience in next-generation network development and digital transformation is expected to bring fresh perspectives to PTCL’s future growth. In a separate disclosure to the stock exchange, PTCL also announced that Mohamed Karim Bennis has stepped down from his position as a director of the company. While the company has not provided details about his departure, the change comes amid broader shifts in PTCL’s leadership as it continues its focus on innovation and expansion in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
With Khan at the helm, PTCL is likely to accelerate its efforts in modernizing telecom infrastructure, expanding digital services, and improving customer experience. His expertise in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing may play a pivotal role in positioning PTCL as a leader in Pakistan’s digital transformation. The leadership transition at PTCL is being closely watched by industry stakeholders, as the company navigates an increasingly competitive telecom landscape while striving to enhance its service offerings and digital ecosystem.
