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Rao Abdul Kareem Named Punjab IG as Usman Anwar Moves to Lead FIA

The reshuffle follows public scrutiny over the Bhati Gate manhole deaths with court and inquiry proceedings continuing.

Overview

  • Official notifications from the Cabinet Secretariat’s Establishment Division took immediate effect, stating both postings will continue until further orders.
  • Dr Usman Anwar was transferred from Punjab IGP and appointed director general of the Federal Investigation Agency, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi publicly praising his tenure.
  • Rao Abdul Kareem, a 24th Common PSP officer who joined in 1996, previously served as Additional IG Special Branch and held multiple field and command roles in Punjab and Sindh.
  • The new Punjab police chief has assumed charge and outlined priorities including protecting lives and property, IT‑based policing, counterterrorism, welfare of the force, and zero tolerance for non‑professional conduct.
  • The leadership change has been reported in the context of the Bhati Gate case, as the Lahore High Court seeks replies by March 3 and an inquiry examines police conduct and command responsibility.