On 3 February 2026, the Government of Pakistan announced a significant leadership change within the Punjab Police, one of the country’s most crucial law enforcement institutions. Rao Abdul Kareem was officially appointed as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, succeeding Dr. Usman Anwar, who has been assigned to lead the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). This appointment marks a new chapter for the Punjab Police — a force entrusted with the safety, security, and rule of law across Pakistan’s most populous province. Rao Abdul Kareem’s elevation to the highest police rank in Punjab comes after nearly three decades of distinguished service, strategic leadership roles, and a proven commitment to public safety, integrity, and administrative excellence.
On 03 February 2026, Rao Abdul Kareem was appointed as the Inspector General of Punjab Police.
New IG Punjab Police Name 2026
The federal authorities have formally released a notification confirming the appointment of Rao Abdul Kareem as the new Inspector General of Punjab Police, while Dr. Usman Anwar has been assigned the role of Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
As per official information, Rao Abdul Kareem is an officer of the 24th Common training batch and was earlier performing duties as Additional Inspector General of the Special Branch prior to being elevated to his new position.
Rao Abdul Kareem Appointed IG Punjab
The newly appointed police chief, Kareem, is a seasoned law enforcement professional with close to thirty years of service in policing and public administration. He became part of the Police Service of Pakistan in 1996 after successfully passing the highly competitive Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.
Throughout his career, he has occupied numerous important operational and leadership roles. His assignments have included serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Lahore, as well as District Police Officer (DPO) in Mianwali, Kasur, and Jhang. These postings provided him with extensive exposure to handling security matters in both metropolitan and rural environments.
Appointment as Inspector General of Punjab Police
On 3 February 2026, the Government of Pakistan issued an official notification appointing Rao Abdul Kareem as the new Inspector General of Punjab Police. This decision came as part of a larger federal-level administrative reshuffle involving key security leadership changes.
His predecessor, Dr. Usman Anwar — another seasoned police leader — was transferred to the federal level to head the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). This change was part of a coordinated effort to strengthen law enforcement leadership both at the provincial and national levels.
The appointment of Kareem as IG signifies confidence in his experience, integrity, and strategic leadership abilities — especially at a time when law enforcement agencies face evolving challenges across urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.
