Alternate mediation: Dispute resolution councils resolve 528 cases in December

Pakistani spin bowler Yasir Shah voluntarily joins council in Swabi

PESHAWAR: Dispute resolution councils (DRC) successfully resolved 528 petty disputes, in December 2014, across the province.

According to a handout issued on Sunday, at least 599 cases were received by DRCs in which 528 cases were settled and 35 were referred to relevant forums for legal action.



The K-P government has expressed satisfaction over the role and performance of these councils.  The aim of establishing DRCs in the province, especially in the rural areas, is to ensure free and quick dispensation of justice at people’s doorsteps.

Quick settlements

The DRC in Peshawar was established in 2014 to bring “positive change” in the functioning of the police department and to ensure prompt settlement of petty disputes amongst the general public. Owing to the increasing trust of the public in the DRC, a strong need was felt to establish it in other areas of the province.  Later, councils were established all over and a large number of people approached these councils to resolve their petty disputes.

A few months back, the high court stopped the DRCs from functioning through a stay order, questioning the lack of legal cover. After some time, necessary amendments were brought about in the law and DRCs started functioning again.

The system gained so much popularity that Pakistan cricket team’s spin bowler Yasir Shah, who belongs to Swabi, also visited one of the DRC offices in the district recently and voluntarily became a member. On the occasion, Shah promised he will carry out efforts in settling disputes between rivals and ensure peace.

Data for 18 districts
Regions	No. of cases resolved
Peshawar	78
Mardan	33
Nowshera	68
Charsadda	103
Swabi	71
Kohat	25
Karak	2
Hangu	4
Swat	19
Buner	9
Upper Dir	2
Shangla	9
Abbottabad	28
Haripur	19
Mansehra	20
DI Khan	15
Battagram	2
Bannu	9

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2016.