CM orders stronger public oversight, digital reforms in PERA

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday directed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) to further strengthen its “PERA Ask” public complaints portal for the prompt resolution of citizens’ grievances and instructed the PERA Director General to enhance direct public engagement and outreach. The chief minister ordered that anti-encroachment operations must be preceded by due notice and warning to the public. She further directed that, except for anti-encroachment and price control operations, all enforcement actions must be carried out only after prior digital requisition. She made it clear that there was no place in PERA for officials who intimidated the public or misused their authority. “Corruption and abuse of powers will not be tolerated under any circumstances, ” she said, directing strict compliance with PERA requisition rules. The CM chaired a special meeting to review PERA’s performance, digitalisation, legal framework and future roadmap. The meeting was informed that digital requisition would now be mandatory for PERA operations to ensure transparency and effective monitoring. According to the briefing, the PERA has conducted 1, 527, 028 inspections across Punjab, resulting in the sealing of 3, 509 shops for violations of the law. Under the anti-encroachment campaign, more than 21, 000 kanals of land have been retrieved, while 1, 700 people have been arrested over illegal price hikes and encroachments. Authorities said complete digital records of all such enforcement actions were being maintained. The CM observed that PERA’s 99 percent conviction rate reflected its performance but stressed that the authority’s goodwill should not be compromised. “Every action of PERA must be people-friendly, ” she said, adding that resistance to lawful action must end and the rule of law would prevail. She also directed that investigating officers would no longer be transferred on anyone’s recommendation. The meeting was briefed that PERA had won 99 percent of 136 writ petitions filed against it, while it had achieved 98 percent success in cases before judicial magistrates and hearing officers. Officials informed the meeting participants that PERA’s challan system was being fully digitalised, with digital evidence and all records after trial force requisition being preserved electronically. The authority has so far acted on more than 62, 000 digital requisitions. The meeting was further informed that PERA’s challan completion rate had reached a record 97 percent. The first FIR under the PERA Act had been registered over a manual challan, while 700 disciplinary punishments had been awarded within the department and 20 employees dismissed from service on charges of negligence. The chief minister was also informed that work had begun on a PERA training academy at Kallar Kahar to further improve the professionalism and discipline of the force. PERA aims to complete its permanent recruitment process by June 2027, while an Internal Affairs Unit is also being established to strengthen transparency. Concluding the meeting, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz appreciated PERA’s overall performance but directed the authority to improve its public communication and engagement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Read full story on Business Recorder