Turning the Tide: How CIS Overcame Crisis and Achieved Excellence

Islamabad – COMSATS Internet Services (CIS), a leading provider of information and communication technology solutions in Pakistan, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two years. From being on the verge of closure in 2022 to becoming a financially stable and technologically advanced organization. CIS has achieved significant milestones in administrative, services expansion and quality and digital innovation domains. The credit of these achievements goes to the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, who has steered CIS through a critical period of down slide to growth and stability.
Two years ago, CIS faced severe financial difficulties, operating under a budget deficit that threatened its existence. With 250 employees at risk of losing their jobs, the situation was dire. However, through effective financial restructuring and strategic planning devised by Ambassador Zakaria as Executive Director, CIS has not only eliminated its deficit but now operates with a surplus. The jobs of all 250 employees were successfully secured, restoring stability and confidence within the organization. Recovery mechanism’s new approach greatly contributed to CIS’s stability.
One of CIS’s most impactful initiatives has been the revival and expansion of its Tele-health Centers. Previously at risk of shutting down, these centers have not only remained operational but have grown from 14 to 31 centers across Pakistan in just two years, with more clinics in the pipeline.
These centers have provided accessible healthcare services to thousands of people in remote areas, offering primary and secondary medical consultations through the COMSATS-based Resource Center of professional doctors. The expansion of Tele-health services has significantly improved healthcare access in underserved communities, preventing the closure of essential medical facilities and ensuring continued service to those in need.
To ensure operational efficiency, CIS renegotiated contracts, securing cost-effective solutions without compromising service quality. These negotiations have contributed to reducing operational costs while maintaining high-speed, reliable internet services for both public and private sector clients. It also effectively reduced CIS’s liabilities.
Another major milestone was unprecedented modernization of Data Centre. The New Infrastructure provides comprehensive virtualization with KVM hypervisor & LXC containers, —- shared Storage-ensuring data integrity, minimal downtime, enabled VLAN segmentation, high performance cyber protection, and Cloud Computing facility.
Under strong leadership of the incumbent Executive Director, CIS has transformed from a struggling organization into a financially stable, technologically advanced, and quality service institution. The achievements of the past two years serve as a testament to the organization’s resilience, strategic vision, and commitment to serving Pakistan’s digital and healthcare needs.
With continued expansion in Tele-health services, further technological advancements, and a focus on financial sustainability, CIS is set to play an even greater role in the country’s digital infrastructure and public welfare initiatives.