By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The newly appointed head of Punjab Police, Rao Abdul Kareem, has formally assumed charge of his office. Upon his arrival at the Central Police Office, IG Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem was presented a salute by a smartly turned-out police contingent. Senior officers of Punjab Police welcomed IG Punjab on his arrival at the CPO. IG Punjab paid tribute at the police martyrs’ memorial and offered Fateha for the eternal peace of the martyrs’ souls. After the salute ceremony, IG Punjab met Additional IGs, DIGs and other senior officers in his office and also chaired an important meeting regarding priorities.
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While briefing media representatives about his policy priorities, Rao Abdul Kareem said that in accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the projects that have already been initiated will be completed at the earliest with further improvement. IG Punjab said that the basic objective of the police is to maintain law and order. Protection of life and properties of the public and their selfless service is my foremost priority. Public order will be maintained at all costs while ensuring a sense of security among citizens. Improvements have been made in police station culture and further improvements will be brought.
He said that measures against terrorism and anti-state elements will be made more effective, while supremacy of the Constitution and complete enforcement of law will be ensured. IG Punjab clearly said that for effective crime control, IT-based and modern policing will be promoted. IG Punjab expressed his resolve that all possible facilities and relief will be provided to the families of police martyrs. Comprehensive measures for the welfare of the police force and employees will continue. He said that steps will be taken under a comprehensive strategy to raise the morale of the police force, resolve issues faced by the force, and strengthen the department.
IG Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem said that under the policy of “reward first, then punishment,” transparent and impartial accountability will be ensured, while under zero tolerance for non-professionalism, there will be no delay in departmental and legal action. Only those who work honestly will remain part of the team. He stressed in clear terms that no concession will be given to black sheep within the department and urged the media to continue highlighting crimes and social issues so that anti-social elements can be eliminated through timely and effective measures.
Rao Abdul Kareem previously served as Additional IG Special Branch Punjab. He has served on important positions including Additional IG Punjab Highway Patrol, Commandant PC, DIG Traffic Punjab, RPO Gujranwala, and DIG Telecommunication.
Rao Abdul Kareem belongs to Nawabshah. He joined the Police Service of Pakistan as an ASP in 1996. During his service, he performed duties as ASP UT Sukkur, SDPO Sukkur City, Latifabad Hyderabad, and Chiniot. He also served as SP Gujranwala, Lahore, and Sheikhupura, and as DPO Mianwali, Kasur, and Jhang.
