Punjab replaces police chief amid criticism over Bhati Gate manhole tragedy

PUNJAB:The federal government has named Rao Abdul Kareem as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, in the wake of constant criticism of the Punjab Police in the aftermath of the Bhati Gate manhole tragedy.

Kareem, a BS-21 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan, will replace Dr Usman Anwar, who has been transferred and posted as the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency.

The notification, issued by the Establishment Division of the Cabinet Secretariat, and to be published in the next issue of the Gazette of Pakistan Part-I, states that Kareem’s appointment is effective immediately and will remain in force until further orders.

A 24th Common officer, Kareem is a former Additional Inspector General Special Branch Punjab and is known in police circles as an experienced and professional officer with broad command, intelligence, and operational experience.

A native of Nawabshah, he joined the Police Service of Pakistan in 1996 and has had various field and senior management assignments. These include postings as Assistant Superintendent of Police UT Sukkur and Sub-Divisional Police Officer in Sukkur City, Hyderabad, and Chiniot.

He also had assignments as Superintendent of Police in Gujranwala, Lahore, and Sheikhupura. Later, he had assignments as District Police Officer in Mianwali, Kasur, and Jhang. His senior assignments included Deputy Inspector General Traffic Punjab, DIG Telecommunication, Regional Police Officer Gujranwala, Commandant Punjab Constabulary, and Additional IG Highway Patrol.

Dr Usman Anwar, who was appointed IG Punjab in January 2023, was one of the longest-serving police chiefs in the province in recent years. During his tenure, he brought about several administrative changes, including a fast-track promotion policy.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi hailed Anwar’s performance in a message on X, saying: “Dr Usman’s transformational leadership has redefined Punjab Police, establishing new standards of professionalism, reform, and public service.”