ISLAMABAD: Syed Fida Hassan Shah, a seasoned officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), was appointed as the new Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Malakand Division on Tuesday, a move seen as a strategic effort to leverage his extensive expertise in tackling the region’s complex security challenges. A graduate of the University of Peshawar with a master’s degree in International Relations, Shah embarked on his police career on 1 January 2001, joining the PSP as part of the 28th Common Training Programme (CTP). His credentials were further strengthened by his selection as a Hubert Humphrey Fellow, an honour awarded to those demonstrating exceptional leadership potential. This distinction further solidifies his standing as an advocate for modernising and refining law enforcement practices, not just in Pakistan, but on the international stage. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has built a reputation as a resilient, disciplined, and no-nonsense lawman, known for his unwavering commitment to justice and his ability to tackle even the most challenging and high-pressure situations Shah’s tenure as RPO Dera Ismail Khan brought him into the public eye, particularly as the region grappled with escalating militancy and terrorism, where his leadership was pivotal in addressing the growing security challenges. His leadership chops were further tested during his tenure as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Quetta, where he was tasked with overseeing operations in one of the country’s most volatile and dangerous regions. His exceptional management skills were again on display during his two-year stint at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), where he was instrumental in shaping the country’s counter-terrorism strategy and operationalising it on the ground. Before assuming his new role as RPO, he served as DIG of Finance and Procurement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where his sharp financial acumen and operational oversight played a pivotal role in the smooth functioning of the police force. This breadth of experience – from tackling national security threats to overseeing administrative functions – has made Shah uniquely suited to confront the mounting challenges facing Malakand Division. Malakand, a region plagued by escalating terrorism and unchecked militancy, remains one of the most volatile and perilous law enforcement frontlines in the country, where the relentless threat of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and insurgent activity poses an ongoing challenge to peace and stability. Shah’s appointment signals a determined push to not only combat these threats head-on but to modernise the region’s police force and enhance its ability to respond swiftly and effectively. Sources close to the officer indicate that Shah is already drawing up a comprehensive strategy to bolster police presence, ramp up counter-terrorism initiatives, and implement sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening law enforcement in the region. Known for his pragmatic and results-driven approach to leadership, Shah is expected to foster a more cooperative relationship between police and local communities – a critical factor in ensuring the long-term peace and stability of Malakand. His leadership is expected to prioritise transparency, community engagement, and empathy, offering a welcome shift in a region that has long struggled with trust issues between law enforcement and the masses. Shah’s appointment as RPO Malakand marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s police force. With a proven track record of leading successful operations in high-risk areas, there is strong optimism that his tenure will drive the much-needed reforms and revitalisation to tackle the region’s urgent security issues. Under his leadership, the people of Malakand and beyond are expected to experience lasting, meaningful change that promises a safer and more secure future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025