Shah Faesal is an Indian politician and former civil servant hailing from the Kashmir Valley. He first gained national attention in 2010 when he topped the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination, becoming the first Kashmiri to achieve this feat. His success was widely celebrated in the region, inspiring many young people to pursue careers in civil service. Faesal's early career in the IAS saw him posted to various administrative positions within Jammu and Kashmir, where he focused on developmental initiatives and public service delivery. He quickly earned a reputation for his integrity, dedication, and innovative approach to governance.

However, in January 2019, Faesal resigned from the IAS, citing "unabated killings in Kashmir" and the "marginalization of Indian Muslims" as his reasons. This decision marked a significant turning point in his career, transitioning him from a bureaucrat to a political figure. Following his resignation, he launched his own political party, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples' Movement (JKPM), with the aim of advocating for the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His political platform focused on peace, justice, and sustainable development in the region.

Faesal's political career faced challenges, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. He was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and spent several months in custody. After his release, he reportedly distanced himself from active politics. In April 2022, the government accepted his application to reinstate him into the IAS, effectively ending his political career for the time being. He was subsequently posted to the Union Ministry of Culture. Shah Faesal's journey has been marked by significant shifts, from a celebrated civil servant to a political aspirant and then back to public service, reflecting the complexities and challenges of the sociopolitical landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.