LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to change the Inspector General of Punjab Police. Rao Abdul Kareem is being appointed as the new IG Punjab Police in place of Dr Usman Anwar, provincial sources said.
The decision followed consultations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, signaling a coordinated move to reshape law enforcement leadership.
Moreover, officials described the change as part of efforts to strengthen policing.
Experienced officer to lead Punjab Police
Rao Abdul Kareem brings nearly three decades of experience in policing and administration. He joined the Police Service of Pakistan in 1996 after qualifying through the Central Superior Services examination. Over the years, he served in key field assignments, including superintendent of police in Lahore and district police officer in Mianwali, Kasur, and Jhang. As a result, he gained experience in crime management.
His senior roles included regional police officer in Gujranwala and deputy inspector general Telecommunications and Transport in Sindh. In addition, he served as an additional inspector general with the Punjab Highway Patrol. During the past year, Kareem worked as inspector general of the Punjab Special Branch, focusing on intelligence. Earlier, he also served as director of immigration at the Federal Investigation Agency.
Dr Usman Anwar is likely to move to the FIA
Meanwhile, federal sources indicated that Dr Usman Anwar is likely to be appointed director general of the Federal Investigation Agency. Anwar served as Punjab police chief since January 24, 2023, and previously worked as director of FIA Lahore.
Dr. Usman Anwar joined Punjab Police in 1995. Later he served as additional inspector general of the Motorway Police.
