Major Police Reshuffle in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Sees Dozens of Officers Transferred

Muzaffarabad, PaK: The police department in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has undergone a significant reorganization, with the Inspector General of Police approving a sweeping reshuffle affecting dozens of senior officers. The move, described as necessary for administrative efficiency and public service improvement, includes transfers, promotions, and reassignments across multiple districts and specialized units.

Among the most notable changes, Mehdi Khan has been transferred from his post as District Inspector in Kotli to take up duties as Disposal Police Inspector in Poonch. Muhammad Aamir Farooq, formerly serving as District Inspector of Sudhanoti, has been reassigned to Mirpur, while Traffic Police Inspector Muhammad Jahangir will now serve as District Training Instructor. The reshuffle also sees Ghulam Rasool taking charge of the Crime Branch and Riaz ul Haq returning from the Accountability Bureau to the Special Branch.

The reorganization includes several promotions based on seniority, with sub-inspectors Roseena Akhtar and Sadaqat Hussain from Kotli elevated to Deputy Superintendent rank in Mirpur. Similarly, Naveed Ahmed and Mohsin Ali have been promoted to inspector positions, while Nabeela Shah has been reassigned from Mirpur to the Telecommunications Wing. These changes come into effect immediately, with officers expected to transition to their new roles without delay.

While officials maintain the reshuffle is routine and aimed at optimizing police operations, the scale of the changes has drawn attention from observers. Some speculate whether the moves reflect deeper institutional reforms or address specific performance issues within the force. The lack of additional context from authorities has left room for interpretation, though local officials have generally welcomed the changes as potentially beneficial for service delivery.

This restructuring represents one of the more substantial administrative overhauls in recent years for the region’s police force, occurring against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges and public expectations for improved governance. As the newly appointed officers settle into their positions, the impact of these changes on law enforcement effectiveness and community relations remains to be seen.