Punjab CM Maryam orders to establish provincial enforcement authority

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed to establish Provincial Enforcement Authority in Punjab, while chairing a special meeting to review the implementation of various Government policies in the Province.

She said, “Enforcement authorities will also be established in every district and tehsil of Punjab.” She added, “Provincial Enforcement Authority will be headed by Chief Secretary, supported by a DG; District Enforcement Authority will be headed by Deputy Commissioner; while Tehsil Enforcement Authority will be headed by the respective AC”

Enforcement authorities would have the powers to take action against price hike, encroachment of government lands and hoarding, besides performing other special tasks assigned by the Government from time to time, including seizures of state properties.

The CM directed to make these enforcement authorities functional in 6 months, and to immediately start legislation for the purpose. She approved a proposal to amend 11 laws, rules and ordinances in this regard.

The CM said, “A police station and a special force will be established at tehsil level under the supervision of Tehsil Enforcement Authority. Authority in-charge, investigation officers, enforcement officers and constables will be appointed in a Tehsil Enforcement Authority, which will have the powers to register cases, investigate them and to make arrests in addition to the enforcement of law.

She said that Offices of Provincial and District Enforcement Authorities will also be established to ensure effective monitoring.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin, Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bukhari, Minister for Agriculture Muhammad Ashiq Hussain, MPA Sania Ashiq, Chief Secretary, Secretaries Agriculture, Finance and other relevant officers attended the meeting.