PESHAWAR: Despite the fact that the pilot project of the dispute resolution councils (DRCs) in the provincial capital has settled a number of cases, more such bodies are yet to be formed in other parts of the province to settle disputes without going through the regular criminal justice system.
“Some elements wanted to induct politicians into the DRCs to be set up in Peshawar and the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This has delayed the setting up of these bodies in other districts,” a source disclosed.
The induction of politicians and persons who don’t enjoy good reputation in such bodies formed in the past not only added to the problems but also created hurdles in the routine police matters.
The first DRC was formed in Peshawar in January to provide a forum to citizens where they can take their disputes to be settled without involving the traditionally police and court system.
Unlike the past, the DRC made at the Gulbahar Police Station included high-profile individuals having good reputation.
The first DRC set up at the Gulbahar Police Station has received more than 85 complaints from different parts of the city.
“More than 20 disputes have been settled while the rest are in the process,” Dr Mustafa Tanveer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Gulbahar said.
He added that eight cases have been handed over to police.
A 26-year old dispute between two brothers belonging to Hashtnagri in Peshawar was settled in four days after it was submitted to the DRC. “One of the brothers filed a complaint on February 2. The dispute was settled by February 6 when the two brothers accepted the DRC verdict,” said Mustafa Tanveer.
“The dispute was settled by February 6 when the two brothers accepted the DRC verdict,” Mustafa Tanveer added.
A proper office and jury room have been set up at the Gulbahar Police Station where the members of the DRC work in panels to decide cases as is done by the traditional jirgas. The panels take up cases of different nature.
INTERNEWS
