LAHORE:
The Punjab Prime Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has formally launched the Punjab (PERA) Regulatory Authority, the first provincial level agency of the country dedicated to enforcing laws against inflation, hoarding and land invasions.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the center of Lahore exhibition, the prime minister praised Pera as a transformative step to strengthen the rule of law and safeguard vulnerable communities.
The authority will be operational in Lahore’s division next week and is expected to be fully functional in all Punjab in December.
“Pear’s idea was conceived only eight months ago, and today it has become a reality,” said the CM, praising the rhythm and professionalism of the formation of the new institution. “Pera is now the shield of the oppressed and a deterrent for the deposits and the hoarders of land.”
During the launch event, the principal minister inspected several components of the new authority operations, including a 3D model of a pear station, police vehicles, protection equipment and the central control room. A demonstration of the newly formed pear force, the execution unit, showed its preparation with simulated operations, martial arts and crowd control exercises.
The prime minister emphasized that Pera would introduce a new culture of transparency and responsibility in the application. Unlike the traditional dependence on district administration and income officers for price control and invasion, the new authority will work as a specialized agency with trained personnel and dedicated infrastructure.
He also gave recommendation certificates to high performance officers during pear training phase. The general director of Pera, Farrukh Ateeq, who directed the formation of the authority, informed the audience about its scope and objectives. He pointed out that pear stations would be established in the 144 Tehsils of the province, equipped with digital devices and hundreds of application vehicles.
“Pear will not only perform operations,” said Ateeq. “It will ensure thorough investigations, robust prosecution and systemic reforms in the culture of application of the law.”
CM Maryam Nawaz promised the total government support for authority and urged pear officers to maintain honesty and courage in service.
