LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday ordered a strict crackdown on officials involved in corruption and misconduct within the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority, warning that those bringing disrepute to the force could face imprisonment rather than brief detention. Chairing the fourth meeting of the PERA force, the chief minister directed authorities to install body cameras on PERA personnel by June 30 and ordered a comprehensive scrutiny of around 4,000 officers and officials. She also instructed authorities to strengthen the organisation’s internal intelligence and whistleblower mechanisms. Maryam Nawaz said the service record of every official would be examined thoroughly, adding that officers with clean records should remain confident, while those involved in wrongdoing should prepare for strict action. She directed authorities to ensure exemplary punishment for personnel found damaging the reputation of the force.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that PERA had secured ISO certification and that, out of its sanctioned strength of 8,000 personnel, 4,711 positions had already been filled through recruitment conducted by the Punjab Public Service Commission.
The meeting was told that training for PERA’s sub-divisional officers under the Punjab Administrative Service would begin from June 1, while enforcement and investigation officers would undergo specialised training at Rescue 1122 and the Police Training College Chung.
Officials said recruitment of an additional 7,000 personnel would be completed by the end of June. Out of 155 Enforcement Stations, 133 had already become operational, while the remaining stations would be functional by next month. Authorities briefed the chief minister that PERA was currently engaged in 15 special initiatives, including inspections of marriage halls, monitoring petrol pumps, market closing operations and other regulatory assignments. The meeting was informed that anti-hoarding and anti-profiteering operations had led to registration of 11 FIRs, fines exceeding Rs20 million and the arrest of 6,557 individuals. In anti-encroachment drives, authorities retrieved 9,036 kanals of land and conducted more than 262,000 raids.
Officials further stated that, in line with the chief minister’s policy, emphasis had been placed on corrective measures instead of excessive criminal cases, with only 439 FIRs registered so far. Around 15 to 16 software systems are also being integrated into the PERA 360 dashboard to digitise challans and strengthen monitoring. The conviction rate, the meeting was told, currently stands at 97 per cent.
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to establish a centralised digital monitoring system and transform PERA into a fully professional regulatory force. A proposal to establish PERA’s own training academy in either Kallar Kahar or Kotli Sattian was also discussed. The chief minister directed completion of the academy within one year. Expressing concern over discipline within the force, she said any official involved in corruption or abuse of authority must be made an example. Officials informed the meeting that 1,356 disciplinary inquiries had been initiated, 304 officials penalised and seven personnel dismissed from service. The chief minister also directed that officers with questionable reputations be sent back immediately to their parent departments. She reiterated that no compromise would be made on public service and transparency.
