SWABI: As many as 60 members of dispute resolution councils (DRCs) have been dismissed following a district-wide scrutiny ordered by District Police Officer Waqas Rafiq, officials said on Friday.

Of the 88 DRC members in the district, only 28 have retained their positions after the review, while the remaining 60 were removed over their alleged controversial conduct.

“It is very painful for us to announce the expulsion of 60 DRC members because of their controversial role,” an official said.

Officials said the DRCs had been established to resolve public disputes through dialogue, along the lines of the traditional jirga system and protect people from prolonged blood feuds, loss of lives and destruction of resources, as well as prevent young people from being deprived of education.

The dismissed members belonged to Swabi, Razaar and Chota Lahor tehsils, where the police had received complaints from various localities. No member of the Topi tehsil DRC was found involved in illegal activities, officials said.

Police officials told Dawn on condition of anonymity that they had received complaints against several DRC members and conducted investigations before deciding to take action against those who had failed to perform their duties.

They said the councils had failed to deliver on their mandate, as many members were allegedly siding with influential people and victimising those who had already suffered.

“When we investigated people’s complaints from different angles, we strongly felt that this action was necessary in the public interest because the objectives for which the DRCs were established were not being achieved,” an official said.

Officials said the scrutiny of DRC members was continuing across the district. The DPO had made it clear that anyone found violating the rules or failing to provide services to the public would be removed, they added.

“The records and credentials of other members are also being examined, and anyone found involved in illegal activities will be dismissed,” another official said.

According to DPO Waqas Rafiq, new members would be selected during the reconstitution of the DRCs in accordance with merit, transparency and the prescribed procedure.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026