Punjab replaces police chief amid criticism over Bhati Gate manhole tragedy

PUNJAB:

The federal government has appointed Rao Abdul Kareem as Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, a move that follows sustained criticism of the Punjab Police following the Bhati Gate manhole tragedy, which triggered a debate on custodial conduct and command responsibility.

Kareem, a BS-21 officer of the Pakistan Police Service, replaces Dr Usman Anwar, who has been transferred and appointed Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency.

The notification, issued by the Establishment Division of the Cabinet Secretariat and which will be published in the next issue of the Pakistan Gazette Part I, states that Kareem’s publication takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders.

An officer of the 24th Common Regiment, Kareem previously served as Additional Inspector General of the Punjab Special Branch and is regarded in police circles as a seasoned and professional officer with extensive experience in command, intelligence and operations.

Originally from Nawabshah, he joined the Pakistan Police in 1996 and served in various leadership and field positions. These include posts of Deputy Superintendent of Police UT Sukkur and Sub-Divisional Police Officer in Sukkur city, Hyderabad and Chiniot.

Read: Woman and child die after falling into manhole in Lahore

He then served as Superintendent of Police in Gujranwala, Lahore and Sheikhupura, followed by postings as District Police Officer in Mianwali, Kasur and Jhang. His leadership positions included Deputy Inspector General Traffic Punjab, DIG Telecommunication, Regional Police Officer Gujranwala, Commander Punjab Police and Additional IG Highway Patrol.

Dr Usman Anwar, who was appointed IG Punjab in January 2023, was one of the longest-serving police chiefs in the province in recent years. During his tenure, he introduced several administrative reforms, including a faster promotion mechanism.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised Anwar’s tenure in an article on

Wishing him well in his new role, Naqvi said that as he “takes the helm of DG FIA, a new era begins,” adding that “thanks to his vision and drive, the public will witness real and visible change in the months to come.”

Anwar’s transfer comes amid controversy over torture allegations raised by Murtaza, Sadia’s husband and father of 10-month-old Rida Fatima, who both drowned after falling into an open sewer hole near Lahore’s Bhati Gate.

Murtaza was reportedly arrested a few hours after the incidents linked to this case. While the family was initially forced to remain silent during their stay in Lahore, they later claimed after returning to their hometown Shorkot that Murtaza was tortured by the police station officer in the presence of the city SP.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered action against five officials of other departments for negligence after the incident attracted public attention.

Following these allegations, a commission of inquiry was formed to examine the circumstances of the case. During the proceedings, police officers reportedly declared that their actions had been carried out on instructions from higher command.

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has sought answers from the Punjab government, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and other departments on a petition related to the death of a mother and her baby daughter who fell into an open manhole near Bhati Gate last week.

The petition, which seeks registration of a complaint against the Punjab Information Minister, judicial inquiry and action against the officers responsible, was heard. The court ordered all respondents to submit their responses by March 3.

The Bhati Gate incident has since become a defining issue in debates over police oversight, use of force and institutional accountability in Punjab.