The federal government has notified Rao Abdul Kareem as the new Punjab Police chief, replacing Usman Anwar, who has been appointed as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general in a major reshuffle in the provincial police department on Tuesday.
Sharing the notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat (Establishment Division) in a post no his X account, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the services of Dr Usman, saying his “transformational leadership reshaped Punjab Police, setting new benchmarks in professionalism, reform, and public service”.
“As he takes charge as DG FIA, a new era begins. With his vision and dynamism, the public will witness real, visible change in the coming months,” he added, wishing Usman the best for the “critical national responsibility”.
“With the approval of the Federal Government, Dr. Usman Anwar, a BS-21 officer of Police Service of Pakistan, presently serving as Provincial Police Officer (PPO), Government of the Punjab, under Section 10 of the Civil Servants Act, 1973, is transferred and posted / appointed as Director General, Federal Investigation Agency, in terms of Section 3 (2) of the Federal Investigation Agency Act, 1974 and under Section 10 of the Civil Servants Act, 1973, with immediate and until further orders,” read the notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat.
On the other hand, the Punjab Police in a statement said the federal government has issued the official notification appointing Abdul Kareem, a distinguished and highly seasoned officer from the 24th Common of the Police Service of Pakistan, as the Punjab inspector general.
“Renowned for his professional expertise, dedication to duty, and impeccable career, Rao Abdul Kareem was serving in the sensitive and key position of additional IG Special Branch Punjab prior to this appointment.
“With extensive experience in field command and administrative affairs, the newly appointed Punjab IG has consistently proven his leadership mettle in challenging circumstances,” it said, adding that under Abdul Kareem’s dynamic leadership, the Punjab Police is expected to achieve significant milestones in protecting the lives and property of citizens.