Rao Abdul Kareem Appointed as New IG Punjab Police
In an officially notified federal reshuffle, Rao Abdul Kareem has been appointed as the Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police, effective Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The notification was issued by the Establishment Division following approval from Maryam Nawaz. As part of the same reshuffle, the outgoing Punjab Police chief Dr. Usman Anwar has been transferred to the federal level as Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Who Is the New IG Punjab Police?
Rao Abdul Kareem is a senior officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) with nearly three decades of policing experience spanning intelligence, field command, traffic management, and provincial administration.
- Cadre: Police Service of Pakistan (PSP)
- Common: 24th Common of the Civil Services
- Year of Induction: 1996
- Hometown: Nawabshah
- Service Profile: Operational + intelligence-led policing
He is widely regarded within police circles as a disciplined, low-profile, and process-driven officer, particularly strong in internal security and administrative control.
Career Highlights & Key Postings
Before taking charge as IG Punjab, Rao Abdul Kareem was serving as:
🔍 Additional Inspector General — Special Branch, Punjab
This role placed him at the core of:
- Internal security assessments
- Intelligence coordination
- Monitoring of sensitive political and public-order situations
🚓 Field Command Experience (DPO)
He has served as District Police Officer (DPO) in:
- Jhang
- Mianwali
- Kasur
These districts are known for complex law-and-order dynamics, giving him extensive exposure to rural policing, serious crime, and public accountability.
🏙️ Regional & Provincial Leadership
- Regional Police Officer (RPO), Gujranwala
- Commandant, Punjab Constabulary
- Additional IG, Punjab Highway Patrol
These roles involved large-scale force deployment, highway security, and riot-control preparedness.
🚦 Specialized Wings
- DIG Traffic Punjab
- DIG Telecommunication Punjab
Here, he oversaw:
- Traffic regulation in major urban centers
- Police communication systems
- Technology-driven policing reforms
Context of the Appointment
The appointment comes at a sensitive time for Punjab Police, amid heightened public scrutiny following:
- Infrastructure safety concerns
- Custodial conduct allegations
- Pressure for institutional accountability and reform
The provincial government’s decision to place an intelligence-oriented officer at the helm is seen as a move toward:
- Preventive policing
- Better internal oversight
- Stronger command discipline
Officials believe Rao Abdul Kareem’s background makes him well-suited to restore public confidence while maintaining operational stability.
What Happened to the Outgoing IG Punjab?
The former IG Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has been elevated to the federal tier as DG FIA.
- New Role: Director General, FIA
- Mandate: Federal investigations, cybercrime, immigration, and financial crimes
This transfer is being viewed as lateral elevation, not a demotion.
Frequently Asked Questions (High-Search)
Who Is IG Punjab Police Right Now?
✅ Rao Abdul Kareem is the current IG Punjab Police as of February 3, 2026.
Who Is the New IG Punjab?
➡️ Rao Abdul Kareem, formerly Additional IG Special Branch Punjab.
Who Is Dr. Abdul Kareem?
There is no current IG Punjab named “Dr. Abdul Kareem.”
The correct name is Rao Abdul Kareem, and he does not hold a medical doctorate.
Rao Abdul Kareem Wikipedia
As of early 2026, no dedicated Wikipedia page exists for Rao Abdul Kareem. Verified information comes from:
Official government notifications
Police Service records
National news reporting
Rao Abdul Kareem IG Punjab Biography (Brief)
- PSP officer, 24th Common
- Served as DPO, RPO, DIG, Additional IG
- Intelligence and operational background
- Appointed IG Punjab in February 2026
Was Rao Abdul Kareem a DIG?
Yes. He previously served as DIG Traffic Punjab and DIG Telecommunication Punjab before holding Additional IG and RPO-level posts.
What to Expect Next
Under Rao Abdul Kareem’s leadership, Punjab Police is expected to focus on:
- Stronger internal accountability
- Intelligence-led law-and-order management
- Professional discipline at district and station levels
- Security planning for major public and cultural events in 2026
Final Summary
- 🔁 Rao Abdul Kareem → IG Punjab Police
- 🔁 Dr. Usman Anwar → DG FIA
- 📅 Effective February 3, 2026
- 🏛️ Decision notified by Establishment Division
This appointment places a seasoned, intelligence-focused officer at the helm of Pakistan’s largest police force during a year of heightened public expectations and institutional scrutiny.
