Amjad Javed Saleemi takes charge as Punjab IG

Notification of Saleemi's appointment had been on hold until by-elections were complete

LAHORE: Amjad Javed Saleemi took charge as the Inspector General of Police for Punjab on Monday, promising better policing and reforms.

Saleemi was appointed last week but the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) suspended notification of his appointment because of Sunday's by-election. ECP said election rules did not allow new appointments or transfer of government officials to be made before the elections.



Speaking to the media, Saleemi said Punjab police staff numbers were not what was needed to serve the province but officials would keep serving the people as best they could.

“We will provide better policing. Reforms will be brought for the peace and security of the masses, he said, adding: “We will formulate the policies, considering the needs of the masses and the available strength of the police force.”

Speaking regarding the issue over his appointment notification, he said it was in the government's power to appoint or dismiss a police officer. About the resignation of Punjab Police Reforms Commission chief Nasir Durrani, he said Durrani has been good at his work.



“We will study his services and bring about change as much as we can. We will present reform agenda before the government about what has been done and what will be done in future,” Saleemi told reporters. “We will hold consultation with Mr Durrani when needed.”