
By Amjad Qaimkhani
NEW YORK: Dr. Zaigham Abbas, a Pakistani-origin officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD), has been promoted to the rank of Captain, a remarkable achievement marking a significant milestone in his 17-year career with the force. This promotion places him among the select ranks of Muslim executive officers within the department, a distinction that has been celebrated across community circles.
A formal ceremony at the NYPD Headquarters saw Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch presenting the official promotion certificate to Captain Zaigham Abbas. In an emotional moment, Abbas’s peers and supporters fastened the captain’s rank insignia onto his shoulders and presented him with his official shield, symbolizing his new leadership role.
The ceremony was attended by notable members of the NYPD’s Muslim Police Officers Society, including President Captain Waheed Akhtar and Pakistani-origin Inspector Adeel Rana, both of whom offered their heartfelt congratulations. With over 3,000 members, the society has been a pivotal force in fostering inclusivity and representation within the department. Their admiration for Abbas’s promotion highlighted the broader significance of his achievement for the Muslim community in law enforcement.