The Punjab government has replaced Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar and appointed senior police officer Rao Abdul Karim as the new IG Punjab, sources said on Monday.

Rao Abdul Karim was serving as Additional Inspector General of Police, Special Branch, Punjab, before his elevation. He has previously held key positions, including Additional IG Patrol Police, Regional Police Officer Gujranwala, DIG Training and DIG Traffic Punjab.

No official notification was immediately issued, but sources confirmed that Rao Abdul Karim has assumed charge as the new Inspector General of Punjab Police.

Dr Anwar, who served as Punjab’s police chief for nearly three years, is expected to be given a key federal assignment. Officials said he is likely to be posted as Secretary Interior, while another possibility under consideration is his appointment as Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The federal government has sought Dr Anwar’s services, signalling a probable move to an important role at the centre. Sources said his extensive experience at the FIA has strengthened his prospects for a senior federal position.

Earlier, CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana and Additional Inspector General Counter Terrorism Department Waseem Sial were also among the contenders for the top police post.