Maryam directs completing formalities to establish Pera

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed to complete all legal formalities at the earliest to establish the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (Pera).

She passed these directions while chairing a meeting to have a briefing on the proposed Pera structure. She reviewed amendments to proposed laws and rules for the purpose and directed authorities to create a comprehensive monitoring mechanism for the enforcement authority. She said hoarders cannot be allowed to play with public interest.

Earlier, she was told the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority will play an effective role in curbing inflation. It will be established at the provincial level. Each district will have the District Enforcement Regulatory Board. The sub-divisional enforcement officer at the Tehsil level will ensure the enforcement of law. The officer will hear appeals at the Tehsil level and give a decision. Timelines for decisions by four appellate forums will be set. In every Tehsil, 40 officials including enforcement officers will monitor prices of consumer goods and take action against the expensive sellers.

She was told that streets and bazaars will be widened by removing immovable encroachments. Tehsil enforcement officers will take action for permanent removal of illegal encroachments. The cost incurred on removing encroachments will be recovered from the violators. After 200 years, changes are being made in the administrative system under public interest. The Pera will include assembly members, DG, administrative secretary and four independent members. At the district level, the deputy commissioner will head the District Enforcement Regulatory Board. Enforcement officers at the Tehsil level will be responsible for operations and monitoring.

The chief minister was told that one-month special training will be given to the enforcement officers. A system of monthly performance review of the enforcement authority will be devised. On the World Sports Journalists Day, the chief minister in her message said the role of sports journalists is very important for the promotion of healthy sports activities among youths. She added: “They bring us excitement of the game. The reporting of sports journalists in Punjab, especially in Lahore, is commendable. Sports reporters contributed positively to the coverage of the first Pink Games for women players in Punjab. Sports journalists provide positive coverage of sports through analyses and reporting. A sports journalist not only provides entertainment but information as well. I hope sports journalists will continue to play a positive role in public interest.”