The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially designated Shaharyar Gul as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company. Taking charge effective from April 2, 2026, Gul assumes leadership at a transformative juncture for the province as it strives to market its various economic zones as premier destinations for both local and foreign capital. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to professionalize the management of industrial hubs and ensure that the province remains competitive in an increasingly crowded regional market for industrial development and special economic zones.
With a professional background spanning over twenty-five years, Shaharyar Gul brings a wealth of expertise rooted in private sector growth and investment facilitation. Throughout his career, he has navigated complex roles within donor-funded development initiatives and various diplomatic missions, gaining a reputation for his ability to bridge the gap between government policy and private sector needs. His history of collaboration with chambers of commerce, international partners, and state institutions provides him with a unique vantage point to address the multifaceted challenges currently facing the industrial landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In his initial remarks upon taking the role, Gul highlighted that the province possesses all the necessary components for a robust industrial surge, including a strategic geographical location, a motivated workforce, and strong political support. He emphasized that his primary focus will be on converting these natural advantages into tangible results through a sustained and disciplined effort. His vision involves the creation of a more enabling environment for businesses, characterized by superior investor facilitation, enhanced coordination between diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to consistent policy follow-through to ensure that projects move from the planning stages to active operations.
As the head of KPEZDMC, Gul is tasked with a broad mandate that covers the development and administrative oversight of both standard Economic Zones and high-priority Special Economic Zones. His immediate agenda includes deepening the level of engagement with government bodies to remove bureaucratic hurdles and refining the services offered to potential investors to boost their confidence in the local market. By elevating the profile of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a stable and lucrative industrial hub, the company aims to spark a measurable increase in job creation and infrastructure development across the entire province.
Afshan Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Business Development and Communications Committee, voiced strong institutional support for the new CEO. She noted that Gul’s deep familiarity with the institutional framework of the province, combined with an understanding of the practical hurdles faced by investors, is expected to bring a fresh momentum to the organization. The board anticipates that his leadership will translate into more effective stakeholder engagement and a faster pace of industrial zone development, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous economic future for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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