programs plz help thx

I'm experiencing problem with the logic in PM System.
We are facing problem with a function call counter.
Could you provide details on what counter is or what the counter means below.
I have been told from my colleague that what it means is that counter 248 1000 means 248 is the value and 1000 is the time taken to reach 248. Could you advice us on this.

Example of the code
if(throttle3>1500 and (esurge3=0))
e3fuelflow = counter 8920 1000
e3oilp= counter 248 1000
endif

Kindly Advice.