ISLAMABAD: A meeting of top federal and provincial government officials has stressed the need to revive the jirga system in merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting on Tuesday was chaired by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Safron Amir Muqam.

The meeting discussed ways to promote an effective alternative justice system in tribal districts.

Mr Muqam said tribal elders and legal experts will be included in the consultation process.

The jirga system will be aligned with the constitutional and judicial framework so that it can operate effectively within the law, he explained.

The meeting on Tuesday was the first huddle held by the committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the request of tribal elders.

The committee, which will examine proposals to revive the jirga system and strengthen civil administration in the province, included Mr Muqam, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Besides, the KP chief minister and governor or their representatives, KP chief secretary and IGP, former chief secretary Shakil Durrani, former KP IGP Salahuddin Khan Mehsud, SIFC Secretary Dr Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan and other officials have also been included in the committee.

Mr Muqam said the committee will review proposals for the development and maintenance of law and order in merged districts.

These proposals will be formulated in consultation with the tribal population to ensure their needs are addressed.

The participants agreed to form a sub-committee and hold the next meeting in Peshawar.

Mr Iqbal, the planning minister, told the meeting that there was a need to reduce the reliance on police and ensure justice delivery at the grassroots level.

He emphasised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is a key stakeholder in this process, and “we are determined to move forward together”.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi appreciated the efforts of PM Shehbaz and Mr Muqam for solving the problems of the tribal areas.

He added that elected representatives and tribal elders will be included in the consultation process to ensure their voices are heard.

KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said the jirga system remained enforced in the tribal area for ages and its effectiveness cannot be ignored.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Kashmir Affairs Secretary Zafar Hasan, KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, former chief secretary Shakeel Durrani and other senior officials.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2025