Business community says concerned at PERA’s enforcement activities

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif regarding growing concerns of the business community over the enforcement activities of Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA), urging the government to ensure transparency, accountability and protection of legitimate businesses.

Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, President LCCI Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol appreciated the business-friendly initiatives and reform measures undertaken by the Punjab CM for economic development, investment promotion and improved governance. However, he said serious concerns are being raised by traders and market representatives regarding certain enforcement practices.

He stated “the LCCI fully supports the rule of law and effective regulatory oversight but believes that all enforcement actions must be carried out in a transparent, fair and business-friendly manner. He stressed that legitimate businesses should not be subjected to unnecessary harassment, uncertainty or coercive actions.”

The LCCI President further said the chamber continues to receive feedback from different markets indicating that certain enforcement actions are being conducted without prior notice and without providing traders a fair opportunity to present their stance. He reiterated that while the business community fully respects regulatory authority and supports lawful enforcement, it is essential that all actions remain within clearly defined legal boundaries, ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of legitimate commercial activity in order to maintain business confidence and economic stability.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026