Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered major reforms in the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (PERA), according to reports on Monday.
She said that the officials must treat people with respect and warned that rude or abusive behaviour will not be accepted. “The arrogant culture of ‘pick up the goods and get out’ will absolutely not be tolerated,” she said.
Chairing a review meeting, the CM said that the enforcement officers should not misuse their powers.
She further said PERA must build public trust, and every action taken by the authority should be people-friendly.
“وزیر اعلی مریم نواز شریف کی زیر صدارت پیرا فورس کا چوتھا اجلاس، سخت فیصلے”
🔺غیر قانونی کارروائی سے عوام کو تنگ کرنے اور پیرا فورس کا نام بدنام کرنے والے اہلکاروں کے خلاف گھیرا تنگ
🔺غیر قانونی کارروائی میں ملوث پیرا کے اہلکاروں و افسران کو تین دن کی ڈیٹنسن نہیں تین سال جیل… pic.twitter.com/IgBCUwA9oL— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 7, 2026
Maryam Nawaz also ordered that all enforcement and anti-encroachment operations must use digital requisition orders. Every operation will now be recorded in a central database before it begins.
Ask PERA
Further, the CM directed PERA to make its “Ask PERA” public portal more active so people can easily submit complaints. She also asked the PERA Director General to increase direct contact with the public.
According to the details, PERA is moving its ticketing and fine system to a fully digital platform.
They said that the authority has already processed more than 62,000 digital requisitions and carried out over 1.52 million inspections across Punjab. During these inspections, 3,509 shops were sealed for violating the law.
The meeting was also informed that PERA has recovered more than 21,000 kanals of state land during its anti-encroachment campaign.
Arrests over illegal encroachments
Around 1,700 people were arrested for illegal encroachments and overcharging, according to the details.
Officials also shared details of action taken against PERA staff. A total of 351 employees who had been deputed from other government departments were sent back because of disciplinary violations.
Penalties were imposed on 700 employees, and 20 workers were dismissed for serious negligence.
The meeting was told that PERA is setting up an internal affairs unit to improve transparency. A training academy is also being built in Kallar Kahar to train officers and improve their professional standards.
Officials said that the authority plans to complete the recruitment of its permanent staff by June 2027.
