Omar Shahid Hamid

Omar Shahid Hamid

Omar Shahid Hamid is a celebrated Pakistani novelist known for his gripping crime thrillers that draw heavily from his experiences as a police officer. His debut novel, ‘The Prisoner’ (2013), became a bestseller in both India and Pakistan and was longlisted for the DSC South Asia Literature Prize. The book, inspired by his time in the police force, is being adapted into a feature film.

Hamid’s second novel, ‘The Spinner’s Tale’ (2015), is loosely based on the kidnapping of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl and won the Karachi Literature Festival’s fiction prize in 2017. His third book, ‘The Party Worker’ (2017), explores the dark underbelly of Karachi’s political landscape and also received critical acclaim. This novel was contracted for a Netflix adaptation, highlighting its widespread appeal.

In 2019, Hamid released ‘The Fix,’ which delves into the world of cricket match-fixing, and ‘Betrayal,’ a thriller about espionage and political intrigue. His novels are known for their gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of corruption and violence, making him one of Pakistan’s most popular English-language authors.

Omar Shahid Hamid’s latest novel, ‘The Election’ (2024), is a satirical take on the political landscapes of both the United States and Pakistan. The novel is a sharp spoof of geopolitics, highlighting the absurdities and machinations of political campaigns. It has been praised for its well-defined characters and engaging plot, making it a must-read for those interested in political satire.