Zarrar Hasham
Zarrar Hasham Khan has been appointed as the new chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), replacing Azfar Manzoor.
The announcement was made through an official notice issued by PTCL to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday, confirming the leadership change. According to the notice, Khan’s appointment took effect on March 10, 2025.
This appointment marks another milestone in Khan’s extensive career in the technology and telecommunications sector. In September of the previous year, he was appointed as Secretary of the Information Technology and Telecom Division. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, Khan has held several key leadership positions in various organizations.
Khan is an alumnus of the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) and has enhanced his expertise by attending globally renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, Oxford University, and London Business School.
Additionally, he holds an MBA from the University of Warwick. His academic background, combined with his professional experience, positions him as a capable leader in the telecom sector.
During his career, Khan has worked with major telecommunications companies, including serving as Chief Technology Officer at Saudi Telecom Company (STC) in Kuwait. In this role, he played a crucial part in overseeing one of the largest global 5G deployments in 2019.
His expertise in telecommunications and technology is expected to contribute significantly to PTCL’s strategic direction and operational efficiency.
In a separate notice, PTCL also informed that Mohamed Karim Bennis has ceased to be a director of the company. The reason for his departure, however, was not specified in the notice.
Despite these leadership changes, PTCL has been grappling with financial difficulties. The company reported substantial losses amounting to Rs14.39 billion in 2024, compared to Rs16.73 billion in 2023.
This reflects a loss per share (LPS) of Rs2.82 in 2024, down from Rs3.28 in the previous year. The financial setbacks persisted despite an increase in revenue and gross profit during the period.
PTCL, incorporated in Pakistan on December 31, 1995, is a key player in the country’s telecommunication sector. The company owns and operates telecommunication facilities, providing domestic and international telephone services along with various other communication solutions throughout Pakistan.
Over the years, it has played a vital role in expanding the nation’s communication infrastructure.
With Khan now at the helm, PTCL is expected to focus on strengthening its technological advancements, improving service delivery, and addressing financial challenges. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the company aims to navigate a competitive and rapidly evolving telecom landscape.
