Introduction:

Syed Salman Anwar, a seasoned Pakistani police officer, assumed the pivotal role of Inspector General of the Punjab Police on January 24, 2023. With a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades within the law enforcement apparatus, Anwar’s tenure has been marked by both commendable achievements and controversies, shaping the landscape of Punjab’s policing paradigm.

Career Trajectory:

Anwar’s journey in the Punjab Police commenced in 1995, where he embarked on a trajectory marked by successive promotions and diverse assignments. His stint as the Additional Inspector General (AIG) of the Motorway Police underscored his adeptness in managing critical operational domains. Prior to assuming the mantle of Punjab’s Inspector General of Police, Anwar held pivotal positions within the force, including stints as the Additional IG of the Special Branch in Punjab and as the District Police Officer (DPO) of Okara and Sargodha. His portfolio also encompassed roles within the Telecommunication and Elite Police departments, reflecting a breadth of experience across various operational spheres.

Bureaucratic Reshuffle and Appointment:

Anwar’s ascension to the position of Punjab Inspector General of Police coincided with a significant bureaucratic reshuffle orchestrated by the federal government. His appointment saw him replacing Mohammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan, signaling a strategic shift in Punjab’s law enforcement dynamics. Concurrently, Ghulam Muhammad Dogar was relieved of his duties as the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) of Lahore and as the convener of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), heralding a paradigm shift in Punjab’s administrative landscape.

Controversies Surrounding Syed Salman Anwar

The Tragic Case of Ali Bilal:

Ali Bilal, a special needs supporter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was apprehended by Punjab Police outside Zaman Park on March 9, 2023. Shockingly, he was last seen alive in a police van before his lifeless body was discovered in a hospital. The autopsy report indicated signs of torture and severe head injuries. Inspector General Anwar, in a press briefing, asserted that Bilal had been released the same day and speculated that his demise was due to a traffic accident. However, PTI, led by Imran Khan, maintained that Bilal succumbed to custodial abuse and called for a thorough judicial inquiry into the incident.

Crackdown on PTI:

Following the unrest on May 9, Punjab Police, under Anwar’s leadership, launched a crackdown on PTI activists. Numerous party leaders and workers were subjected to arbitrary arrests, often being rearrested shortly after court releases. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations raised alarms over reports of custodial torture, forced disappearances, and intimidation tactics employed by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, families of PTI members faced harassment and raids, resulting in property damage and the abduction of relatives.

Abduction of Journalist Imran Riaz Khan:

Renowned journalist Imran Riaz Khan was detained by Punjab Police, only to be released the same night and subsequently abducted by unidentified individuals outside Sialkot Central Jail. Despite a 30-day detention order, Anwar expressed his incapacity to locate Khan, shifting the blame onto Pakistan’s military intelligence agencies. The journalist’s disappearance raised serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of media personnel in the region.

Interference in Electoral Processes:

During the candidacy phase of the 2024 Pakistani general election, Punjab Police allegedly engaged in unprecedented meddling in the electoral process. Instances were reported of police officers confiscating nomination papers from PTI applicants and obstructing their access to the returning officer’s office. Furthermore, supporters aiding PTI candidates faced abduction and arrest outside these offices. Such interference raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process and highlighted concerns regarding impartiality and fair play.

These controversies surrounding Syed Salman Anwar have ignited public debate and scrutiny, underscoring the imperative for transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles within Punjab’s law enforcement apparatus.

Conclusion:

Syed Salman Anwar’s stewardship as Punjab’s Inspector General of Police epitomizes the intricate interplay between law enforcement imperatives and democratic governance. While his tenure has been marked by notable accomplishments in crime prevention and public safety, it has also been marred by controversies, underscoring the nuanced challenges inherent in navigating Pakistan’s complex socio-political landscape. As Anwar grapples with the exigencies of policing in a dynamic environment, the efficacy of his leadership remains subject to ongoing scrutiny, with the quest for transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights serving as perennial touchstones in Punjab’s law enforcement narrative.