The federal government has appointed former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, as the new Director General (DG) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). An official notification confirming his appointment has been issued, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s law enforcement leadership.
According to the notification released by the government, Dr. Usman Anwar will assume charge as DG FIA with immediate effect. His appointment comes shortly after he was removed from his previous position as Inspector General of Punjab Police, a role he had held since January 2023.
Dr. Usman Anwar is regarded as a senior police officer with extensive administrative and operational experience. During his tenure as IGP Punjab, he oversaw policing reforms, law and order operations, and high-profile security arrangements across the province. His transfer to the FIA is seen as part of a broader reshuffle within the country’s top law enforcement institutions.
It is pertinent to note that just a day before Dr. Usman Anwar’s appointment as DG FIA, Rao Abdul Karim was appointed as the new Inspector General of Punjab Police. A separate notification confirming Rao Abdul Karim’s appointment has also been issued by the government.
Rao Abdul Karim was previously serving as Additional Inspector General of Police in the Special Branch. He brings with him considerable experience in intelligence, internal security, and counterterrorism-related matters. His appointment as IGP Punjab is expected to play a key role in shaping policing priorities in the country’s most populous province.
In addition to these changes, the government has also reassigned Raja Riffat Mukhtar, who has been posted to the Narcotics Control Division. The series of appointments and transfers reflects an ongoing administrative reorganization aimed at strengthening law enforcement and regulatory oversight.
Dr. Usman Anwar’s appointment as DG FIA places him at the helm of one of Pakistan’s most important federal investigative agencies. The FIA is responsible for handling a wide range of sensitive cases, including financial crimes, cybercrime, money laundering, human trafficking, immigration offenses, and high-profile corruption investigations.
Observers believe that Dr. Anwar’s experience as Punjab’s police chief will be instrumental in enhancing coordination between provincial police forces and the federal investigation apparatus. His background in law enforcement administration is expected to contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the FIA.
During his tenure as IGP Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar managed complex law and order challenges, including public protests, political gatherings, and security operations across urban and rural areas. His leadership period coincided with politically sensitive times, requiring close coordination with both provincial and federal authorities.
While the government has not officially stated the reasons behind the recent reshuffle, such changes are often linked to evolving administrative priorities and the need to place experienced officers in key positions. The appointment of Dr. Usman Anwar as DG FIA suggests that the government intends to leverage his expertise at the federal level, particularly in addressing complex investigative challenges.
The FIA has, in recent years, faced growing responsibilities due to the rise in cybercrime, financial fraud, and cross-border criminal networks. Strengthening leadership at the top of the agency is seen as crucial to meeting these challenges and restoring public confidence in federal investigations.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Rao Abdul Karim as IGP Punjab places a seasoned intelligence officer in charge of policing the province. Punjab Police plays a central role in maintaining internal security and managing law and order across Pakistan’s largest population base. Analysts note that his background in the Special Branch may bring a greater emphasis on intelligence-led policing.
The posting of Raja Riffat Mukhtar to the Narcotics Control Division also signals the government’s focus on combating drug trafficking and related organized crime. The division plays a key role in policy coordination and enforcement related to narcotics control at the national level.
These administrative changes come at a time when Pakistan faces multiple internal security, governance, and law enforcement challenges. The government’s decision to reshuffle senior police leadership is being viewed as an effort to enhance institutional performance and accountability.
Officials have emphasized that all appointments have been made in accordance with established procedures and that the newly appointed officers are expected to discharge their duties with professionalism and integrity. No further details regarding the duration of the postings or future reshuffles have been disclosed.
As Dr. Usman Anwar takes charge as DG FIA, expectations are high that he will focus on improving investigative standards, strengthening internal accountability, and enhancing inter-agency cooperation. His performance in this role will likely be closely watched, given the FIA’s critical mandate and public visibility.
