Senior cop awarded doctorate degree

PESHAWAR: The University of Swabi conferred the doctorate degree on senior police officer Syed Akhtar Ali Shah in the discipline of Peace and Conflict Resolution in recognition of his services for the uplift of the university since its inception and rendering matchless service in restoring peace in the most challenging times.

The degree was awarded to him by Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra at the first convocation of the University of Swabi.

He has previously been awarded the Quaid-i-Azam Police Medal and the President’s Police Medal.

A statement said Akhtar Ali Shah played an active role in restoring peace in Malakand, Mardan and Bannu as Deputy Inspector General of Police. It said he crafted the Counter Terrorism Strategy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Additional IGP Special Branch. He was also credited with revamping the Police Special Branch by creating new posts, development of infrastructure and setting up the School of Intelligence and Investigation and the canine unit.

As provincial Home Secretary, Akhtar Ali Shah signed the memorandum of understanding with University of Peshawar and University of Swabi. He initiated programme on de-radicalisation in prisons and through seminars.

The statement said it was during his period as Home Secretary that the department of Counter Terrorism, Traffic Warden System, Rapid Response Force and Canine Branch were created. The reforms in Prison and Prosecution departments were also undertaken. Also, the strategic development programme framework alignment with the provincial budget in coordination with donors was prepared and implemented.   

Akhtar Ali Shah has participated in a number of International and national conferences and read papers on issues of peace and conflict. He has also published research papers.