Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

Rao Abdul Kareem Appointed New Punjab IGP in Major Police Reshuffle
The federal government has reshuffled the Punjab police high command, appointing Rao Abdul Kareem as the new IGP while Dr Usman Anwar takes charge as DG FIA. A new chapter in policing begins.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-03
Rao Abdul Kareem Appointed New Punjab IGP in Major Police Reshuffle

The federal government on Tuesday notified a major reshuffle in the Punjab police high command, appointing Special Branch Additional Inspector General Rao Abdul Kareem as the new inspector general of police (IGP), replacing Dr Usman Anwar.

 

A day earlier, a highly placed source had confirmed that the government approved changes at the top tier of the provincial police leadership. The decision was formalised through three separate notifications issued on Tuesday.

 

According to the notifications, Dr Usman Anwar has been appointed as the new director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), replacing incumbent DG FIA Riffat Mukhtar. Mukhtar has been transferred and directed to report to the Establishment Division. Meanwhile, Rao Abdul Kareem was officially notified as the new Punjab IGP.

 

The Punjab police also confirmed the development in a post on X, expressing confidence in the newly appointed police chief. The post stated that under Kareem’s leadership, the force is expected to achieve new milestones in protecting citizens’ lives and property, ensuring swift justice, and strengthening the overall law and order situation in the province.

 

In a separate press release, the Punjab police shared details of Kareem’s professional background. Hailing from Nawabshah, Rao Abdul Kareem joined the Police Service of Pakistan in 1996 as an assistant superintendent of police (ASP) and belongs to the 24th Common of the service.

 

Over the course of his career, he has held several key positions, including commandant Punjab Constabulary, DIG Traffic Punjab, regional police officer (RPO) Gujranwala, and DIG Telecommunication. He has also served as ASP UT Sukkur, SDPO Sukkur City, Latifabad in Hyderabad, and Chiniot.

 

The senior officer has further served as superintendent of police (SP) in Gujranwala, Lahore, and Sheikhupura, while he held district police officer (DPO) positions in Mianwali, Kasur, and Jhang.

 

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended his best wishes to outgoing Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar on his appointment as DG FIA. In a post on X, the minister praised Anwar’s tenure, stating that his “transformational leadership reshaped the Punjab police, setting new benchmarks in professionalism, reform, and public service”.

 

Naqvi added that Dr Anwar’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era at the FIA, expressing optimism that the public would witness tangible improvements in the coming months.

 

Dr Usman Anwar was appointed Punjab IGP in January 2023 during a major reshuffle carried out by the caretaker government. Prior to that, he was serving with the National Highways and Motorway Police.

 
Tagged:

PunjabPolice

PoliceReshuffle

RaoAbdulKareem

UsmanAnwar
Share News: