Rao Abdul Kareem
Rao Abdul Kareem | |
|---|---|
راؤ عبد الکریم | |
| Inspector General of the Punjab Police | |
| Assumed office 3 February 2026 | |
| Appointed by | Government of Punjab, Pakistan |
| President | Asif Ali Zardari |
| Prime Minister | Shehbaz Sharif |
| Preceded by | Usman Anwar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Abdul Kareem |
| Alma mater | Central Superior Services (CSS) |
| Occupation | Police officer |
| Police career | |
| Allegiance | Pakistan |
| Branch | Punjab Police |
| Service years | 1996–present |
| Status | Active |
| Rank | Inspector General of Police |
Rao Abdul Kareem is a Pakistani police officer who has been serving as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Punjab since 3 February 2026. He was appointed following a major reshuffle in provincial and federal law enforcement leadership.[1][2][3][4]
Police career
Rao Abdul Kareem joined the Police Service of Pakistan in 1996 after qualifying through the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.[5]
During his career, he has served in various operational and command positions. He has worked as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Lahore and as District Police Officer (DPO) in Jhang, Mianwali, and Kasur, gaining experience in both urban and rural policing.[2]
He later served as Regional Police Officer (RPO) Gujranwala and held the position of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Telecommunications and Transport in Sindh.[6]
Kareem also served as Additional Inspector General of the Punjab Highway Patrol, where he oversaw highway security and traffic enforcement across the province.[7]
Before being appointed IGP Punjab, he was serving as Additional Inspector General of the Special Branch in Punjab, a department responsible for intelligence and internal security.[8]
Earlier in his career, he worked as Director of Immigration at the Federal Investigation Agency, where he dealt with border management and immigration matters.[2]
Appointment as IGP Punjab
In February 2026, the Government of Punjab appointed Rao Abdul Kareem as Inspector General of Police, replacing Dr Usman Anwar as part of a senior level administrative reshuffle.[9][3][4]
See also
References
- ^ "Notification issued for appointment of Rao Abdul Kareem as IG Punjab, Usman Anwar as DG FIA". Dunya News. 3 February 2026. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ^ a b c "Rao Abdul Kareem appointed Punjab IG in major police reshuffle". The Nation. 3 February 2026. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ^ a b "IG Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem Has Assumed Charge of Punjab Police". Punjab Police. 3 February 2026.
- ^ a b "IGP Rao Abdul Kareem assumes charge, outlines policy priorities". 3 February 2026. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
- ^ Bhatti, Usman (3 February 2026). "areem, is a career police officer with nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement and administration. He joined the Police Service of Pakistan in 1996 after qualifying through the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
- ^ Bhatti, Usman (3 February 2026). "In major Punjab police shake-up, Rao Abdul Kareem appointed new IG". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
- ^ "Rao Abdul Kareem previously served as Additional IG Special Branch Punjab. He has served on important positions including Additional IG Punjab Highway Patrol, Commandant PC, DIG Traffic Punjab, RPO Gujranwala, and DIG Telecommunication".
- ^ Awan, Riaz Ahmed (2 February 2026). "Rao Abdul Karim appointed Punjab IG as Dr Usman Anwar replaced". Aaj English TV. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ^ "Dr Usman Anwar ascends as DG FIA, Rao Abdul Kareem appointed as new IG Punjab". HUM News. 3 February 2026. Retrieved 3 February 2026.