LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday announced the launch of the newly formed Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (PERA), asserting that it will serve as a “symbol of strength” for those who uphold the law and as a formidable force against oppressors and lawbreakers throughout the province.
Speaking at the inauguration event in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that PERA, established just months ago, has now become a fully operational and well-trained enforcement body tasked with monitoring prices and cracking down on illegal encroachments.“This vision has materialized in only eight months,” she said, congratulating the authority’s Director General, retired Captain Farrukh Atiq, for his swift and professional leadership in implementing the project.
The CM announced that PERA will start functioning in Lahore next week, with plans to expand its reach across all districts of Punjab, employing approximately 8,500 personnel.“The role of PERA officials is to stand as a barrier against injustice and as a source of hope for those oppressed,” she stated. “They will keep vigilant watch over illegal land grabs, hoarding, profiteering, and encroachments. The rule of law will now be visible everywhere.”
Focus on Price Regulation and Land Encroachments
Addressing the issues of artificial inflation and urban congestion, Ms. Nawaz admitted that prior to her government, there was no dedicated force to control rising prices.She criticized the previous price regulation system, claiming it was riddled with corruption and inefficiency. “Price control magistrates used to hire people who would accept bribes instead of enforcing the law,” she alleged.
She explained that PERA was created after thorough consultation to replace this flawed system with an organized and disciplined regulatory authority. She also highlighted recent operations aimed at removing illegal encroachments, which she said have improved safety in public spaces, especially for women.
“Many women have messaged me saying they no longer face harassment in narrow markets because the streets are now cleared. Traders are also witnessing better sales,” she added.
Equal Application of the Law
In a direct reference to a recent traffic violation involving her son, Junaid Safdar, Ms. Nawaz praised the police officer who issued the challan.“The officer didn’t know he had stopped the Chief Minister’s son, but Junaid told him to do his duty and issue the ticket,” she recalled. “Later, I personally called the officer to thank him. No one is above the law—whether it’s the CM’s son or anyone else.”
She reaffirmed her government’s stance that the law must be applied equally to all and vowed to crack down on what she called the “dala culture,” emphasizing that no individual’s power or status should exempt them from legal accountability.
PERA as a Movement for Change
Expressing optimism about the future, the CM highlighted that PERA was founded with a focus on empowering youth, with many of its recruits being young professionals.“When I conduct interviews, I prefer to select young talent,” she remarked. “PERA is not just an enforcement agency; it’s a movement—a revolution that will bring lasting change.”
She also extended gratitude to Punjab’s Inspector General of Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, for his support, stating that the project’s success relied heavily on close coordination between departments.
Reaffirming her commitment to tackling inflation, corruption, and land mafia, she declared, “The more significant the violator, the firmer our grip will be on them.”
She called for a shift in outdated mindsets, urging that “the powerful must realize that the law is for everyone,” and emphasized that changing this perception is crucial for progress.
Significant Funding for PERA
The CM revealed that billions of rupees had been allocated to establish PERA, positioning it as a key pillar in the government’s efforts to enforce the law, regulate markets, and safeguard citizens.She concluded by emphasizing her dedication to public service, stating, “Serving the people of Punjab is my primary duty. Enacting laws is not enough; we must ensure they are implemented effectively.”
