RAWALPINDI: Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) remains understaffed despite being established last year; out of 17 sanctioned posts for enforcement officers in the Rawalpindi district, nine remain vacant; besides, out of 17 sanctioned investigation officer positions, 11 posts remain vacant.
This was reported at a meeting of the District Enforcement and Regulatory Authority Board, held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Captain retired Nadeem Nasir.
The meeting included a detailed review of Pera’s performance in the Rawalpindi district, covering areas such as price control, anti-encroachment efforts, the resolution of public grievances, and progress on the establishment of enforcement stations.
The meeting was attended by assistant commissioners from all tehsils and other relevant officials. During the briefing, it was reported that in Sept 2026, over 17,313 inspections were conducted in Rawalpindi district as part of price control measures. This resulted in the issuance of 359 challans and the imposition of fines totalling Rs1.5 million.
Furthermore, 16 premises were sealed, and 13 individuals were arrested for violations. The department issued over 3,369 warnings during this period. Regarding anti-encroachment efforts, 336 inspections were carried out in September, leading to the issuance of 277 challans and the imposition of Rs1.589 million in fines.
During these operations, 20 premises were sealed, and 13 individuals were arrested. Similarly, 226 inspections were conducted to address activities causing public nuisance or grievances; this resulted in the issuance of 175 challans and the imposition of Rs1.9 million in fines, while 66 premises were sealed.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the establishment of enforcement stations across the district’s seven tehsils.
According to the briefing, construction work is underway on buildings in Rawalpindi Cantonment and Gujar Khan, with similar progress being made in Rawalpindi Saddar.
In Kahuta, the process of awarding the contract is currently in progress following the completion of the tendering phase.
Meanwhile, various administrative and approval-related steps are underway for the enforcement stations in Rawalpindi City, Taxila, and Kallar Syedan. The meeting also addressed the status of the workforce and the financial challenges being faced.
The deputy commissioner directed the relevant officials to enhance the effectiveness of operations aimed at price control, the removal of encroachments, and the resolution of public grievances.
He emphasised ensuring the availability of essential commodities at government-fixed rates, taking action against violators in accordance with the law, and improving the enforcement system.
Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026
