NHA gets new chief executive officer as authority navigates key challenges

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO) for the National Highway Authority (NHA) as the entity is grappling with critical development and governance challenges.

According to a notification issued by the Establishment Division, Capt (retd) Asadullah Khan has been appointed as the new CEO of NHA.

The notification — a copy of which is available with HUM News English — stated that Khan, who was previously serving with the Punjab government, has been transferred with immediate effect.

His appointment has been made by the National Highway Council in accordance with the National Highway Authority Act, 1991, which was amended earlier this year.

Asadullah Khan, a Grade-21 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), brings nearly three decades of experience to the role.

He joined the civil service in 1996 and has since held several senior administrative positions. His most notable work includes overseeing metro bus projects in Lahore and Multan during Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure as Punjab chief minister.

Khan has also served as commissioner of Multan and Bahawalpur divisions, managing director of the Punjab Mineral Development Corporation, additional secretary for poverty alleviation, and secretary for housing and urban development in Punjab.

People close to him said he is known for his integrity and principled decision-making, with a reputation for ensuring transparency in administrative affairs.

A senior NHA official said that the Authority has received “a capable administrator at a time of critical challenges.”

“The NHA direly needed someone with experience in large-scale projects and public-sector management,” the official said, adding that Asadullah Khan is regarded as someone who can navigate complex bureaucratic structures effectively.

The position fell vacant earlier this month after Muhammad Sheryar Sultan was removed from office along with Member Administration Umer Saeed Chaudhry.

The removal reportedly followed an inquiry into alleged corruption, irregularities and embezzlement of funds within the NHA. Both officials were dismissed on the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.