MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Thursday directed the police that strict law and order be maintained during the holy month of Ramazan and called for a coordinated strategy to curb crime and ensure public safety.

The directive was issued to newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Liaqat Ali Malik, who called on the prime minister and briefed him on the overall security situation in the territory.

Mr Malik was transferred and posted as AJK’s police chief by the Establishment Division on Sunday, and his posting was endorsed by the AJK government the same evening.

He assumed charge on Tuesday afternoon.

According to an official statement, the IGP gave a detailed presentation on the department’s organisational structure, challenges faced by the force and measures aimed at enhancing its capacity.

He also highlighted modern training initiatives, effective use of technology and efforts to promote community-oriented policing.

The prime minister congratulated the new IGP on assuming his responsibilities and expressed the hope that his professional experience would help improve the performance of the police department.

He assured the police chief of the government’s full cooperation in ensuring the protection of life and property of citizens and upholding the rule of law.

Mr Rathore said safeguarding citizens and supporting improved governance were among the police force’s key responsibilities, and stressed the need for an effective and coordinated strategy to maintain peace and stability in the state.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2026