ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has decided to replace Inspector Generalof Police Dr Usman Anwar, with reliable sources indicating that threesenior officers have emerged as strong contenders for the pivotal IG Punjabposition amid ongoing consultations at the highest levels.
The Punjab government has reportedly finalized plans to replace InspectorGeneral of Police Dr Usman Anwar, marking a significant shift in theprovince’s law enforcement leadership. Sources close to the provincialadministration confirmed that Dr Anwar is likely to be transferred to thefederal level, possibly as Director General of the Federal InvestigationAgency. This development follows recent performance reviews and strategicrealignments within the police force, where Dr Anwar has served sinceJanuary 2023. His tenure has been noted for initiatives in promotionboards, healthcare enhancements for officers, and crime control measures,yet administrative necessities have prompted the change.
The decision underscores the dynamic nature of senior police appointmentsin Pakistan, often influenced by provincial priorities, federalcoordination, and governance objectives. Dr Usman Anwar, a medical doctorturned police officer from the 23rd Common of the Police Service, assumedthe IG role after a major reshuffle that saw him replace previousincumbents. During his leadership, Punjab Police achieved notablemilestones, including the release of the 2026 promotion board schedule andefforts to bolster welfare facilities such as modern hospitals forpersonnel. Despite these accomplishments, the Punjab government appears seton fresh leadership to address evolving security and administrativechallenges.
Three prominent names have surfaced as potential successors for the IGPunjab slot, drawing attention across police circles and political spheres.According to credible reports from government sources, the contendersinclude Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed, known forhis experience in provincial command roles, Lahore Capital City PoliceOfficer Bilal Siddiq Kamyana, who has handled metropolitan policingeffectively, and Additional IG or senior officer Rao Abdul Karim, andAddional IG Waseem Sial Chief of CTD, whose name has gained tractionfollowing high-level approvals. These officers bring varied expertise inoperations, investigations, and counter-terrorism, making them suitable foroverseeing Punjab’s vast police apparatus.
The selection process for the Inspector General position involvesconsultations between the Chief Minister’s office, provincial homedepartment, and federal authorities to ensure alignment with broader lawenforcement strategies. Punjab, as Pakistan’s most populous province,requires an IG capable of managing complex issues such as urban crime inLahore, rural security challenges, and coordination with federal agencieslike the CTD and FIA. The outgoing IG’s possible move to FIA wouldrepresent a continuation of inter-governmental officer mobility, a commonpractice to leverage experienced personnel across jurisdictions.
Analysts observe that such transfers often reflect efforts to inject newperspectives into provincial policing while rewarding officers with federalpostings. Dr Anwar’s potential FIA appointment could strengthen federalanti-crime efforts, given his background in special branches and motorwaypolicing prior to the Punjab role. Meanwhile, the emergence of multiplecandidates highlights internal deliberations aimed at selecting anindividual who can sustain momentum in crime reduction, officer welfare,and public safety initiatives launched under the current administration.
Public and media scrutiny of police leadership changes remains high,particularly in Punjab, where law and order directly impacts millions ofresidents and economic activities. Recent reshuffles within the force,including transfers of regional police officers and district-levelpostings, indicate a broader pattern of administrative streamlining. Thefinal announcement is anticipated soon after formal consultations,potentially influencing upcoming police operations and recruitment drives,including plans for expanding the Crime Control Department.
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This anticipated change arrives at a time when Punjab Police continues tofocus on professional development, as evidenced by recent promotionceremonies and training programs for newly inducted staff. The transitionis expected to be smooth, maintaining operational continuity whileintroducing fresh strategies to tackle persistent challenges like streetcrime, traffic management, and inter-provincial coordination on securitymatters.
The development also reflects the provincial government’s commitment tomerit-based yet strategic appointments in key institutions. Stakeholders,including police associations and civil society, await the officialnotification, which could reshape the command structure and priorities forone of Pakistan’s largest police forces.
Waseem Sial
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