Rule of law: Steps for speedy justice in Malakand

Project to improve access to justice inaugurated.

SWAT:

In accordance with people’s demands, a multi-million dollar project to reinforce rule of law and improve delivery of quick and affordable justice has been initiated in Malakand division.

The three-year project, funded by the United Nations Development Programme, will be implemented by the provincial government at a cost of $15 million. The project will be undertaken in all seven districts of Malakand to supplement the judicial system and ensure access to justice.

The main focus will be on capacity building of district courts and police, access to justice and legal aid for vulnerable groups and increased coordination between jirgas and courts.

Speaking at the project’s inauguration ceremony in Peshawar, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Senior Minister Rahim Dad Khan stressed on the need to develop confidence in rule of law and delivery of justice among local communities.

Ironically, easy access to justice was one of the main issues militants capitalised on to consolidate their rule in Swat and to force the government to sign a peace deal on their terms.

Swat Bar Association (SBA) President Asghar Khan also appreciated the project and said any step in improving access to justice would be welcomed by the association. He laid great emphasis on training police officials to investigate criminal cases to provide fair and speedy justice to people.

However, he expressed his dismay over the project’s inauguration in Peshawar.

“It would have been a lot better if the inauguration had taken place in Swat so that people could have participated in the event,” he remarked.

“Focusing on the jirga system is a commendable step as they can easily resolve minor disputes which save a lot of time and money,” said Jehanzeb Nafees, a SBA member.

Saima Anwar, the first woman lawyer from Swat, appreciated the provision of financial support for lawyers in the project. “This is a step in the right direction and it will encourage more women to enter this field,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2011.