Maryam Nawaz Unveils PERA to Ensure Market Fairness in Punjab

On July 14, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA), pledging to combat inflation, hoarding, and illegal encroachments across the province. This article reviews the initiative’s objectives, potential impact on governance, and concerns regarding its implementation in a region seeking economic stability.

At a ceremony held at Lahore’s Expo Center, CM Maryam Nawaz described PERA as a “symbol of deterrence against oppressors” and a protective mechanism for consumers against market exploitation. “We lacked a dedicated force to regulate prices and safeguard citizens. PERA addresses this critical gap,” she stated, emphasizing its mandate to control artificial inflation and clear unlawful encroachments.

Funded adequately, PERA will deploy 8,500 personnel initially in Lahore, with plans to expand province-wide by September 30. Nawaz also highlighted the inclusion of female Senior District Enforcement Officers (SDEOs), viewing this as a positive step toward inclusive governance. She personally inspected the agency’s modern equipment during the launch.

The authority’s creation follows Punjab’s ongoing challenges with rising prices and urban congestion, issues Nawaz attributes to previous systemic corruption and inefficiency. She claimed that PERA’s early operations have already led to the removal of criminal elements, supported by the newly established Crime Control Department (CCD), which focuses on land mafias and profiteers. “PERA will spark a movement for justice,” Nawaz asserted, stressing strict enforcement. Director General Farrukh Atique noted that the agency will pursue rigorous investigations and prosecutions to ensure accountability.

However, critics on social media platforms like X caution that PERA could become a tool for bureaucratic overreach, potentially hindering free-market dynamics and affecting small businesses. “This seems more about control than justice,” posted user @PatriotPunjab, echoing conservative concerns about centralized authority. Others warn that while inflation and encroachments are pressing issues, aggressive enforcement may alienate traders and heighten tensions in an already polarized political environment.

As Punjab confronts economic difficulties, the success of PERA will depend on balancing firm regulation with respect for entrepreneurial freedoms, aiming to deliver genuine market justice without stifling growth.