THIS is with reference to the report “Punjab police poke holes in law for parallel authority” (Sept 2). Being part of the administrative machinery, I strongly believe that the establishment of the pro-posed Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) is the need of the hour because of several reasons.

Recently, I got a report from the field staff regarding attempts of illegal occupation over state land. Not only we prevented it, but also a letter was written to the police for lodging an FIR. However, to our disappointment, it took three days to lodge the FIR only because the culprit was a political influential.

Besides, there are seven price control magistrates (PCMs) in the tehsil where I am currently posted. Six of them move about without police escort, and, when called for assistance, the police force reports being busy fighting crimes else-where. As a result, the PCMs cannot enforce the notified prices, and artificial inflation goes unchecked.

The argument that the creation of Pera will be a burden on the provincial exchequer does not carry much weight. Every new initiative has its cost. Money was also spent for computerisation of land record and, ultimately, it benefitted the public when reliance on the outdated patwar system was reduced.

Moreover, Pera is a proposed purpose-built authority to remove encroachments from the state land, and control the prices through its enforcement and investigation staff. It will also ease the burden of police. Public will be the ultimate beneficiary when both Pera and police will compete with respect to good governance.

Name withheld on request
Bhalwal

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2024