Punjab replaces police chief amid criticism over Bhati Gate manhole tragedy

PUNJAB:

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

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

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

A 24th Common officer, Kareem previously served as Additional Inspector General Special Branch Punjab and is regarded within police circles as a seasoned and professional officer with wide command, intelligence and operational experience.

Originally from Nawabshah, he joined the Police Service of Pakistan in 1996 and has held a range of field and senior management positions. These include postings as Assistant Superintendent of Police UT Sukkur and Sub-Divisional Police Officer in Sukkur City, Hyderabad and Chiniot.

Read: Woman, child die as they fall into manhole in Lahore

He later served as Superintendent of Police in Gujranwala, Lahore and Sheikhupura, followed by assignments as District Police Officer in Mianwali, Kasur and Jhang. His senior roles included Deputy Inspector General Traffic Punjab, DIG Telecommunication, Regional Police Officer Gujranwala, Commandant Punjab Constabulary, and Additional IG Highway Patrol.

Dr Usman Anwar, who was appointed IG Punjab in January 2023, was among 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 a post on X, saying: “Dr Usman’s transformational leadership reshaped Punjab Police, setting new benchmarks in professionalism, reform, and public service.”

Wishing him well in his new role, Naqvi said that as he “takes charge as DG FIA, a new era begins”, adding that “with his vision and dynamism, the public will witness real, visible change in the coming months.”

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

Murtaza was reportedly detained hours after the incident in connection with the case. While the family was allegedly initially pressured into silence during their stay in Lahore, they later alleged after returning to their hometown of Shorkot that Murtaza was tortured by the station house officer in the presence of the SP City.

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

Following the allegations, an inquiry committee was formed to examine the circumstances of the case. During the proceedings, police officers reportedly stated that their actions were carried out on the instructions of senior command.

CM Maryam has also expressed strong anger over allegations that Ghulam Murtaza, the husband of Bhati Gate victim, was tortured by police.

Authorities have decided to conduct a medical examination of Murtaza to determine the nature and extent of the alleged torture. The examination will be carried out under police supervision at a local hospital in Shorkot.

Officials said that once the medical report is received, a case may be registered against the officers involved in the alleged torture.

Murtaza has accused the SP City and the station house officer of subjecting him to torture. In his statement, he alleged that police officers repeatedly pressured him to confess to killing his wife.

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

The petition, which seeks registration of a case against the Punjab Minister for Information, a judicial inquiry and action against responsible officers, was taken up for hearing. The court directed all respondents to submit their replies by March 3.

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

– Additional input from Musharraf Shah