ISLAMABAD: The government has granted extension Chairperson, Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), to Azfar Manzoor. Manzoor, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, is presently posted as Special Secretary, Information Technology and Telecommunication Division. The Establishment Division issued a notification in this regard. The notification stated as; ‘The additional charge of the post of Chairperson, Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), granted to Azfar Manzoor, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Special Secretary, Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, is extended w.e.f. 23-01-2025 till the date of his superannuation i.e. 26-02-2025 or the appointment of a regular incumbent; whichever is earlier." Mr. Afzar possesses more than 30 years of extensive and varied experience in his professional capacity. He has previously held the position of board member for the Universal Service Fund (USF) and served as Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Afzar possesses BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from MIT and is considered a pioneer of ISP technology in Pakistan. He established World Online (WOL) during the nascent stages of the Internet in Pakistan, which was subsequently acquired by the Orascom Group. Under the supervision of Mr. Manzoor, the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) has played a pivotal role in the establishment of technology zones throughout Pakistan, notably including the Islamabad Technopolis, Lahore Technopolis, and Pakistan Digital City in Haripur. These initiatives are designed to foster innovation, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth within the technology sector.