Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a decisive legislative initiative aimed at reclaiming illegally occupied lands and punishing those involved in land grabbing, declaring that her government will create specialized courts to expedite cases and deliver justice to the victims of exploitation. Speaking at the passing-out parade of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) force, Maryam framed the initiative as part of her broader vision to ensure law, order, and fairness across the province.

PERA Force: From Vision to Reality

Maryam Nawaz, addressing the ceremony, said that the establishment of PERA force was a dream she had long cherished, and its materialization was a significant step toward making governance more responsive to citizens’ needs. “Providing ease and comfort to the people is our top priority,” she asserted, noting that the removal of illegal encroachments from markets has already been met with widespread approval, particularly among women who now feel safer and more comfortable in public spaces.

She highlighted the inclusion of talented and capable women within the PERA force as a milestone, underscoring her government’s commitment to empowering women in sectors traditionally dominated by men. According to the Chief Minister, this integration not only strengthens enforcement capabilities but also projects an inclusive image of governance.

Law and Order Achievements: A New Chapter for Punjab

Maryam Nawaz praised the Crime Control Department (CCD), crediting it for restoring peace and stability in a manner unparalleled in the province’s history. “There are districts in Punjab where crime has reached zero,” she stated, describing this transformation as historic. “In districts that once suffered from high crime rates, residents now say peace has finally been restored.”

This achievement, she argued, proves that the provincial government’s focus on strong enforcement, merit-based policing, and community engagement is yielding visible results. For Maryam, maintaining law and order is not merely about statistics but about ensuring that every citizen—regardless of gender, age, or social class—feels secure.

Combating Corruption and Protecting Consumers

The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of corruption, warning that wealth acquired through bribery and dishonest practices is inherently unstable. “Earnings from bribes do not bring blessings. They disappear as quickly as they come,” she said, urging citizens to pursue legitimate profits instead.

Turning to the business community, Maryam emphasized the government’s responsibility to regulate markets and protect consumers. She highlighted wheat and flour as essential commodities, making it clear that her administration will strictly enforce official pricing to prevent exploitation. “When profits cross into unjust limits, it becomes my duty to intervene,” she declared. By aligning government policies with citizens’ daily struggles, Maryam is positioning herself as both a reformer and a protector of ordinary families.

Landmark Legislation Against Land Grabbing

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Maryam Nawaz’s address was her announcement of a new legal framework to deal with illegal land grabbing—a problem that has plagued Punjab for decades. She revealed that specialized courts would be established to exclusively handle land-related cases, with strict timelines to ensure speedy justice.

According to her plan, cases concerning occupied lands will be resolved within 90 days, providing victims with swift relief that has long eluded them in the conventional legal system. Furthermore, the legislation will prescribe severe punishments for offenders. “Anyone who occupies the land of widows or orphans will face a 10-year sentence,” Maryam declared, drawing applause for her uncompromising stance.

This initiative reflects her government’s recognition that land grabbing is not just an economic crime but a social injustice that disproportionately harms vulnerable communities, including widows, orphans, and the poor. By promising dedicated courts and heavy penalties, Maryam is attempting to dismantle entrenched networks of power that have historically enabled such practices.

Vision for a Safer Punjab

Beyond land reforms, Maryam Nawaz shared her personal vision for Punjab: to make it the safest place for women and daughters. “My dream is to see Punjab become the safest place for mothers and daughters,” she said, highlighting her administration’s focus on security, dignity, and empowerment for women.

This aspiration is tied to her broader narrative of justice and fairness. By pledging to protect citizens from oppression and to guarantee access to justice, Maryam is framing her leadership as people-centric, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.

Broader Implications for Governance

Maryam Nawaz’s announcements mark a shift in Punjab’s governance toward institutional reform. The creation of PERA, the crackdown on bribery, strict enforcement of consumer rights, and the establishment of land courts collectively reflect an attempt to institutionalize accountability. The emphasis on female participation in enforcement agencies further signals a cultural change, one that resonates with the younger and more progressive segments of society.

Observers note that if successfully implemented, the proposed land legislation could reshape the balance of power in rural and urban Punjab, where land disputes have often been manipulated by influential groups. The 90-day timeline for case resolution, if enforced, would stand as one of the fastest legal frameworks in the country, potentially serving as a model for other provinces.

Conclusion

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s address at the PERA force passing-out parade was more than a ceremonial speech; it was a bold policy agenda aimed at addressing long-standing challenges of lawlessness, corruption, and land grabbing in Punjab. By tying these reforms to her personal vision of justice, safety, and inclusivity, she reinforced her leadership image as one committed to both institutional and social transformation.

Her pledge to reclaim lands from illegal occupiers, establish specialized courts, and enforce strict penalties for offenders sends a strong message to both the powerful and the vulnerable: the days of unchecked exploitation are numbered. Coupled with her call for honest business practices and her vision of a safe Punjab for women, Maryam’s announcements offer a comprehensive roadmap for governance that is tough on crime, fair to citizens, and responsive to social realities.

Whether these ambitious plans will be implemented effectively remains to be seen, but the tone and intent suggest that the Punjab government under Maryam Nawaz is determined to leave a lasting mark. For citizens, especially widows, orphans, and women, the promise of swift justice and protection offers hope of a more equitable and secure future.