LAHORE: The government is actively considering major administrative changes that could result in the replacement of the current Inspector General of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar. The move, if finalized, would mark one of the most notable shifts in the province’s security leadership in recent months.
In this regard, sources suggest that Dr. Usman Anwar is likely to be appointed as Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The proposed reassignment is being viewed as part of a broader strategy to realign senior officers across key federal and provincial institutions, though the full scope of the plan has not yet been made public.
Meanwhile, Rao Abdul Kareem has emerged as the leading candidate for the position of Inspector General of Punjab Police. Insiders claim that consensus has been reached on his name, and formal approval is currently being sought through a circulation summary sent to the federal cabinet.
This method is often used for urgent or high-level appointments, indicating the importance of the decision. If the federal cabinet grants approval, sources say that the official notification appointing Rao Abdul Kareem as the new IG Punjab could be issued late at night.
However, officials have so far remained tight-lipped, adding to speculation and anticipation surrounding the final announcement.
The current Director General FIA, Raja Riffat Mukhtar, is likely to be made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD). In that case, Dr. Usman Anwar would assume charge of the agency, placing him at the center of another critical national institution.
For now, official confirmation is awaited. As the government moves closer to finalizing these decisions, questions remain about the broader implications of the reshuffle and what it may signal for the future direction of law enforcement in Punjab.
