LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday presided over the maiden meeting of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and ordered to make it functional in three months.

It also approved establishment of its offices, appointments, rules and regulations and other matters.

The CM directed officials concerned to ensure transparency and merit in appointment and hiring in PERA and sought an effective monitoring system in the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA).

The meeting approved establishment of four PERA committees which include administration logistics committee, finance committee, legal committee and technical committee.

The meeting approved a number of posts for the headquarters, divisions, districts and tehsils of the PERA.

Sub-divisional enforcement officer, investigation officer, senior sergeant and sergeant will be appointed in every tehsil across Punjab. The meeting also approved the transfer and deputation policy of PERA staff.

The chair also approved the appointment of a ‘Hearing Officer’ to look after matters relating to appeal at the Enforcement Station. The procurement plan and ascertainment of the powers of the DG PERA, colour and branding of PERA vehicles, uniforms, caps were also approved.

A special committee will be constituted to review the authority’s operation, procedure, and regulation 2024 in the light of decisions being taken during the meeting.

The Punjab Assembly in October last had passed the ‘controversial’ Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) bill, creating a parallel armed force in the province with vast powers to intrude into the life of citizens through arbitrary inspections, patrols and search of any person or vehicle, as well as to seize articles and goods, and make arrests.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2024