By Habib Muhammad Khattak
LOWER DIR: Former Member of the National Assembly and President of the Loya Qami Jirga, Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub Khan, highlighted the importance of jirgas in resolving disputes and maintaining social harmony during a ceremony in Talaash Valley, Lower Dir.
Speaking as chief guest at the residence of Dr. Noor Muhammad, the event marked the swearing-in of the newly elected cabinet of the National Reform Jirga Talaash Doshakhel for 2026. Malik Abdul Raqib chaired the ceremony, which was attended by elders, scholars, and political figures from Talaash, Timergara, and Adenzai.
Yaqub Khan said jirgas have historically played a conciliatory role in resolving disputes at the local level, often providing quicker and more affordable justice than formal courts. He administered the oath to the newly elected officials and stressed that the jirga system remains vital as many citizens feel let down by the formal judicial process.
Other speakers, including former senator Ahmed Hassan Khan, Jirga President Muhammad Israr Khan, General Secretary Dr. Noor Muhammad, and several local leaders, echoed the view that jirgas continue to serve as effective mechanisms for dispute resolution. They noted that many conflicts in Lower Dir, including in Talaash Doshakhel, have been settled through the active role of jirga elders.
Participants emphasized that the growing reliance on jirgas reflects public frustration with delays and costs in the judicial system, underscoring the need to preserve and strengthen this traditional institution.
