The Punjab government has removed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar from his position and appointed Rao Abdul Karim as the new provincial police chief. The development marks a significant change in the leadership of Punjab Police, Pakistan’s largest law enforcement force.
According to sources within the Punjab government, Dr. Usman Anwar has been transferred from his post as IGP Punjab, and Rao Abdul Karim has been appointed in his place. An official notification regarding the appointment of the new IGP is expected or has been issued to formalize the decision.
Rao Abdul Karim, who takes over as the new IGP Punjab, is a senior police officer with extensive experience in intelligence and internal security matters. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Additional Inspector General of Police in the Special Branch, a key intelligence wing responsible for internal security assessments, counterterrorism coordination, and monitoring sensitive developments across the province.
Sources indicate that Rao Abdul Karim’s background in intelligence-led policing may shape his approach as the new provincial police chief, particularly at a time when Punjab faces multiple law and order challenges, including crime control, public order management, and security for political and public events.
Meanwhile, federal government sources have indicated that Dr. Usman Anwar is likely to be appointed as Director General (DG) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Although no official notification has yet been issued confirming his new role, the possibility is being widely discussed within official circles.
Dr. Usman Anwar was appointed as Inspector General of Punjab in January 2023. During his tenure, he oversaw policing operations across the province, including law and order management, crime prevention initiatives, and coordination with other law enforcement and security agencies. His time as IGP coincided with politically sensitive periods, large public gatherings, and significant administrative challenges.
While the government has not publicly detailed the reasons behind his transfer, such changes are common within Pakistan’s administrative system and are often linked to evolving policy priorities, performance assessments, or the need to place senior officers in different strategic roles.
If appointed as DG FIA, Dr. Usman Anwar would assume leadership of one of Pakistan’s most important federal investigative bodies. The FIA handles a wide range of high-profile and sensitive cases, including cybercrime, financial fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, immigration violations, and other complex federal offenses. His experience as provincial police chief could be seen as valuable in strengthening coordination between provincial and federal law enforcement agencies.
The reshuffle reflects a broader pattern of administrative changes aimed at repositioning senior officers within the country’s law enforcement framework. Analysts note that such transfers are often intended to inject new leadership perspectives and enhance institutional performance.
Punjab Police, under the IGP, plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security and public order across Pakistan’s most populous province. The force is responsible for policing major urban centers as well as vast rural areas, making the role of IGP Punjab one of the most demanding positions in the country’s law enforcement hierarchy.
Rao Abdul Karim’s appointment comes at a time when the Punjab Police faces public expectations regarding crime control, police reforms, accountability, and improved service delivery. Observers suggest that his intelligence background may contribute to a greater emphasis on proactive policing and improved information-sharing mechanisms.
Officials familiar with the matter say that Rao Abdul Karim is expected to take charge immediately and begin consultations with senior police leadership to outline priorities and strategies for the coming months. These may include measures to address street crime, organized criminal activity, and public safety concerns.
Meanwhile, Dr. Usman Anwar’s expected move to the FIA, if confirmed, would place him in a position with national-level responsibilities. The FIA has faced increasing challenges in recent years due to the rise in cyber-related offenses, financial crimes, and cross-border criminal networks. Strengthening leadership at the top of the agency is widely viewed as essential to improving its effectiveness and credibility.
The changes in police leadership have drawn attention from political observers and civil society, who stress the importance of continuity, professionalism, and transparency in law enforcement institutions. Many emphasize that frequent transfers should be accompanied by clear policy direction to ensure sustained improvements in policing standards.
So far, no official statement has been issued elaborating on the rationale behind the changes or outlining specific expectations from the newly appointed IGP Punjab. However, officials maintain that all appointments have been made in accordance with established procedures.
