Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria assumed charge as the Executive Director COMSATS on 1st November 2022. By virtue of his position, he is also the ex-officio Secretary to COMSATS’ statutory bodies, the Commission, the Consultative Committee and the Coordinating Council. Moreover, he is ex-officio Pro Chancellor-II of COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), and Chairman Board of Management of COMSATS Internet Services (CIS).

A seasoned civil servant of Pakistan, Mr. Zakaria joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in 1988. During his illustrious diplomatic career, he has represented Pakistan as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2019-20), and Malaysia (2017-19). His earlier appointments include Minister (Political)/ Deputy High Commissioner in London (2009-2012) and Consul General for Pakistan in Toronto (2012-2014), as well as various diplomatic assignments in Abu Dhabi (1992-1996), Jakarta (1999-2001), and Bangkok (2001-2006). He was also Pakistan’s Representative to UNESCAP, Bangkok.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, he held important senior positions, including Additional Foreign Secretary/ Spokesperson, Director General for South Asia and SAARC, and Director General for Europe. Most recently after his retirement from the Foreign Services of Pakistan, he was appointed by the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan as Member Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) of Pakistan, (November 2020 – October 2022).

Prior to joining the civil services, Dr. Zakaria served Pakistan Air Force as a qualified Aeronautical Engineer. Distinguished Forman Christian College, a chartered university of Pakistan, awarded honorary degree of PhD to Dr. Zakaria in recognition of his services to the people at home and abroad.