Maryam directs formation of Provincial Enforcement Authority

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif Tuesday directed the establishment of Provincial Enforcement Authority in the province.

Chairing a special meeting here to review the implementation of various government policies in the province, she said, “Enforcement authorities will also be established in every district and tehsil of Punjab.”

“The Provincial Enforcement Authority will be headed by the chief secretary, supported by a DG, the District Enforcement Authority will be headed by the deputy commissioner, while the Tehsil Enforcement Authority will be headed by the respective AC.”

The enforcement authorities will have the powers to take action against price hike, encroachment of government land and hoarding, besides performing other special tasks assigned by the government from time to time, including the seizure of state properties.

The chief minister directed that the enforcement authorities be made functional in six months, and legislation in this regard be started immediately. She approved a proposal to amend 11 laws, rules and ordinances in this regard.

Maryam said, “A police station and a special force will be established at the tehsil level under the supervision of Tehsil Enforcement Authority. Authority in charge, investigation officers, enforcement officers and constables will be appointed in the Tehsil Enforcement Authority, which will have the powers to register cases, investigate them and to make arrests in addition to the enforcement of law.

The chief minister said, “The offices of provincial and district enforcement authorities will also be established to ensure effective monitoring.”Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Minister for Food Bilal Yasin, Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bukhari, Minister for Agriculture Muhammad Ashiq Hussain, MPA Sania Ashiq, chief secretary, secretaries agriculture, finance and other relevant officers attended the meeting.