PM Shehbaz approves one-year extension for IT secretary Zarrar Hashim

The federal government has approved a one-year extension in the contract appointment of Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary of the Ministry

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a one-year extension in the contract appointment of Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), allowing him to continue serving as the administrative head of the ministry.

According to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat, Establishment Division on September 4, 2026, the extension was granted with the approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The renewed appointment will remain effective from September 4, 2026, and will continue under the same terms, conditions, and contractual arrangements as previously approved.

The notification stated that the extension of Mr. Hashim’s appointment has been made in accordance with the existing framework of his contract. The order, signed by Zafra Khalid, Deputy Secretary to the Government of Pakistan, will be published in the upcoming issue of the Weekly Gazette of Pakistan Part-I.

The decision comes as the government seeks continuity in key digital transformation initiatives, telecom sector reforms, and measures aimed at expanding Pakistan’s IT exports.

Following the approval, relevant government departments have been directed to circulate the notification among key offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office, President’s Secretariat, Cabinet Division, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, and other concerned authorities.

Mr. Zarrar Hashim Khan, who has been heading the Ministry of IT and Telecom, is the son of former Vice Chief of Army Staff General Yousuf Khan. He was brought into the federal bureaucracy through a direct appointment from the private sector during the tenure of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Government sources said the extension was aimed at ensuring stability and uninterrupted progress on ongoing projects and policy measures being pursued by the Ministry of IT and Telecom. These initiatives include digital governance, improvement of telecom infrastructure, promotion of technology-based services, and creating a stronger environment for IT companies and startups.

The sources added that continuity in leadership was considered important as Pakistan continues to focus on strengthening its technology sector and increasing its share in the global digital economy.

The extension will allow Mr. Hashim to continue overseeing the ministry’s administrative and policy matters for another year. During this period, the ministry is expected to remain focused on implementing digital reforms, improving connectivity, supporting technology entrepreneurs, and enhancing foreign exchange earnings through IT exports.

The Establishment Division’s notification formally confirms the continuation of his role and ensures that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication will proceed under the same leadership as the government advances its digital policy agenda.