KHYBER: The members of the first-ever dispute resolution council (DRC) of Khyber tribal district were administered oath in Jirga Hall of Landi Kotal on Thursday.

The council consists of 21 members including a woman. They were sworn in by the district police officer, Salim Abbas Kulachi.

Speaking on the occasion, the DPO said that in order to give legal protection to local tribal jirga system, it was imperative to set up DRC in Khyber. “Local tribesmen prefer to resolve their disputes through jirga system. It is helpful in speedy and free resolution of local disputes,” he added.

He said that all members of the council were part of tribal society and they were in a better position to understand the problems confronted by locals. He hoped that they would resolve disputes in accordance with local customs and traditions on the basis of their experience of jirga system.

“Local people have great expectations from you and I am sure that you will make your decisions purely on merit while fulfilling the requirements of justice and adhering to the objectives of the creation of DRC,” said Mr Kulachi.

Ms Amna Afridi, the lone female member of the newly-formed DRC and a business administration graduate from University of Peshawar, said on the occasion that her presence at the inaugural meeting of the council was ‘an achievement’ for tribal women as they were constantly denied their legitimate rights in the name of so-called customs and traditions.

“I want to be a role model for local women. I will try my best to help resolve fundamental issues and problems faced by the local women as they would be comfortable in sharing their personal grievances with me,” she said. She added that women in tribal areas avoided going to courts and police stations get resolved their genuine problems.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2023