In a significant leadership overhaul, the Punjab government has appointed Rao Abdul Kareem as the new Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police, replacing Dr Usman Anwar. The decision, formalized through an official notification, follows high-level consultations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
A Seasoned Officer Steps Up
Rao Abdul Kareem, a career police officer with nearly three decades of service, assumes command of Pakistan’s largest police force. He joined the Police Service of Pakistan in 1996 after qualifying through the competitive Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.
His extensive career includes a wide range of field and command positions:
- Served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Lahore.
- Held District Police Officer (DPO) posts in Mianwali, Kasur, and Jhang.
- Appointed Regional Police Officer (RPO) for Gujranwala.
- Served as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Telecommunications and Transport in Sindh.
- Worked as Additional Inspector General for the Punjab Highway Patrol.
- Most recently served as Inspector General of the Special Branch in Punjab, focusing on intelligence.
- Previously held the position of Director of Immigration at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Outgoing IG Moves to Federal Role
Dr Usman Anwar, who had led the Punjab Police since January 2023, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Anwar, who joined the Punjab Police in 1995, previously served as Director of FIA Lahore and as Additional IG of the Motorway Police before his tenure as Punjab IGP. His career also includes postings as DPO of Okara and Sargodha and as Additional IG of the Special Branch in Punjab.
Additional Appointment Noted
In related administrative moves, Raja Riffat Mujhtar has been posted to the Narcotics Control Division, according to the notification.
This reshuffle marks a strategic shift in Pakistan’s key law enforcement leadership, placing experienced officers at the helm of critical security institutions.
