Rao Abdul Kareem Takes Charge as Punjab Police Chief; Dr Usman Anwar Appointed DG FIA; after major Reshuffle

LAHORE: The federal government on Tuesday announced a significant reshuffle in the Punjab police leadership. Special Branch Additional Inspector General Rao Abdul Kareem has been appointed the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, replacing Dr Usman Anwar, who has been posted as the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The change in Punjab police’s top ranks had been confirmed by a government source a day earlier. In three separate notifications, Dr Anwar was formally assigned to the FIA, taking over from outgoing DG Riffat Mukhtar, who was transferred and directed to report to the Establishment Division. Meanwhile, Rao Abdul Kareem was notified as the new IGP.

The Punjab police, in a post on X, welcomed Kareem and expressed optimism that under his leadership, the force would achieve milestones in protecting citizens, ensuring swift delivery of justice, and further strengthening law and order.

According to a press release, Kareem hails from Nawabshah and joined the police service in 1996 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). He is part of the 24th Common of the Police Service of Pakistan.

Over his career, he has served in multiple key positions, including Commandant Punjab Constabulary, DIG Traffic Punjab, RPO Gujranwala, and DIG Telecommunication. He also held postings as ASP in UT Sukkur, SDPO Sukkur City, Latifabad (Hyderabad), and Chiniot, and served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Gujranwala, Lahore, and Sheikhupura. As District Police Officer (DPO), he oversaw Mianwali, Kasur, and Jhang districts.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a post on X, extended best wishes to Dr Anwar for his new role as DG FIA. “Dr Usman’s transformational leadership reshaped Punjab police, setting new benchmarks in professionalism, reform, and public service. As he takes charge as DG FIA, a new era begins,” the minister said, adding that the public can expect visible improvements in the coming months under Anwar’s leadership.

Dr Anwar was appointed Punjab IGP during a major reshuffle by the caretaker government in January 2023 and had previously been serving with the National Highways and Motorway Police before assuming charge as the province’s police chief.