Moot pushes four out of court settlements
A Reuters file image
Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) help settle issues at the level of police stations and lessen the burden on judiciary said the top police officer of the Hazara region.
DRCs resulted in enhanced community mobilisation, prompt settlement of petty disputes and a positive change in the perception of thana culture, said Hazara Regional Police Officer (RPO) Qazi Jamilur Rehman.
He was speaking at the first ever conference of DRCs of Hazara region held at Regional Conference Hall, which concluded on Saturday. DRC members shared experiences and problems with an aim to further enhance and improve role of the committees for resolving issues at the complainants’ doorstep.
He told the participants of the conference that dispute resolution is the process through which conflicts, misunderstandings, and non-compoundable offences are handled through mediation of community leaders to find a solution to suit both the parties. It is an effective process for smooth functioning of any sort of organisation and helps in maintaining peace in the society.
The conference was participated by District Police Officers (DPOs) of all the eight districts of Hazara region, SSP investigations, Additional SP Headquarters beside chairmen and secretaries of DRCs of all the districts. RPO Rehman chaired the conference.
He appreciated the role of DRCs in dispute resolutions in their respective districts and said that the basic aim of the formation of DRCs was to resolve local issues out of court to lessen the burden on judiciary and police.
The police have been able to focus on the investigation of criminal and other cases instead of involving itself in petty issues.
Rehman asked the office bearers of DRCs to share their difficulties so as to improve the system. He said that it saves time and money of the people which they pay in lieu of hiring lawyers besides other expenses.
The chairmen and secretaries of DRCs lauded the efforts of RPO Hazara for organising the conference and providing them a platform to share their experiences.
Later RPO Hazara distributed shields amongst the chairmen and secretaries of DRCs. They recomended various suggestions for the effectiveness and improvement of the dispute resolution councils.