Punjab Police Chief Replaced Amid Bhati Gate Tragedy Fallout

Rao Abdul Kareem Appointed as New IGP Punjab, Replacing Dr Usman Anwar

Overview:

The federal government has appointed Rao Abdul Kareem as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, following mounting criticism of the Punjab Police over the Bhati Gate manhole tragedy. Dr Usman Anwar, who previously held the post, has been transferred and will now serve as Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The notification, issued by the Cabinet Secretariat’s Establishment Division, states that Kareem’s appointment is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.

Rao Abdul Kareem: Veteran Officer Assumes Leadership

Kareem, a BS-21 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan and 24th Common officer, brings decades of experience in law enforcement and administration.

His career highlights include:

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  Senior positions such as Additional IG Special Branch Punjab, DIG Traffic, DIG Telecommunication, and Commandant Punjab Constabulary.

  
  


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  Field postings as Superintendent of Police in Gujranwala, Lahore, and Sheikhupura, and District Police Officer in Mianwali, Kasur, and Jhang.

  
  


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  Early career roles as Assistant Superintendent of Police in UT Sukkur and Sub-Divisional Police Officer in Sukkur City, Hyderabad, and Chiniot.

  
  

Kareem, originally from Nawabshah, joined the police service in 1996 and is recognized for his operational, intelligence, and administrative expertise.

Dr Usman Anwar’s Tenure and Transfer

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

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised Anwar’s service, saying his “transformational leadership reshaped Punjab Police” and expressed confidence that Anwar will bring “visible change” in his new role at the FIA.

Bhati Gate Tragedy and Allegations of Custodial Torture

The Bhati Gate incident involved the deaths of Sadia and her 10-month-old daughter Rida Fatima, who fell into an open manhole in Lahore. Her husband, Murtaza, was reportedly detained soon after the tragedy and later accused police officers, including the SP City, of torturing him to force a confession.

In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered action against five officials from other departments for negligence. A medical examination of Murtaza is underway to verify the alleged torture, which could lead to further legal action.

An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident, with police officers reportedly claiming they acted under senior instructions.

Judicial Oversight Initiated

The Lahore High Court has requested responses from the Punjab government, Lahore Development Authority (LDA), and other departments concerning a petition linked to the Bhati Gate deaths.

The petition seeks:

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  Registration of a case against the Punjab Minister for Information.

  
  


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  A judicial inquiry into the deaths.

  
  


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  Accountability for responsible officers.

  
  

All respondents are required to submit their replies by March 3.

Public Debate on Police Accountability

The incident has reignited discussions on police oversight, custodial practices, and institutional responsibility in Punjab, highlighting the need for reforms in law enforcement standards and public safety mechanisms.