Amjad Javed Saleemi takes charge as Punjab police chief

LAHORE: Amjad Javed Saleemi took charge as Punjab police chief on Monday as he replaced Tahir Khan.

Saleemi took charge as Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) a day after the by-polls concluded and the federal government’s decision regarding appointment of the police chief went in effect. Last week, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had suspended the federal government's decision to replace Punjab police chief Tahir Khan with Saleemi stating that the police chief replacement would be considered a violation of the ECP rules due to the by-polls. 

The Establishment Division had issued a notification to appoint Saleemi as the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Upon arriving at office, Saleemi was presented a guard of honour and was warmly received.

Speaking to the media in his office, the new Punjab IG said, “There are a lot of issues facing Punjab and not enough personnel.”

“We will draft policies in keeping with the needs of the citizens and number of policemen available,” he added.

Saleemi assured that reforms will be introduced and citizens will be facilitated.

Earlier, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had aid Tahir Khan was removed as Punjab's police chief for not obeying orders of the government. The federal minister further said Khan had exhibited carelessness towards institutional matters.

"We have given a clear message to the bureaucracy that we want work done," Chaudhry had said. "In the present government's tenure, only those who perform will continue to serve on their positions."

Saleemi's career

Saleemi joined the civil services on November 1, 1986.

He belongs to the 14th Common division and his domicile is Faisalabad.

He was previously a grade 22 officer of Police Service of Pakistan, serving as IG National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP).

He is due to retire on January 31, 2020.