MINGORA: The Mingora Musalihat (reconciliation) Committee has resolved 695 cases during the last one year, said the committee’s members on Wednesday.
In a meeting chaired by Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Sher Akbar Khan at Mingora police station, members of the Musalihat Committee said the role of such committees is of great importance because they help reduce the burden on police and courts.
“We have successfully resolved 695 cases regarding various civil, criminal and family issues. In some major disputes, we have even managed to get the quarrelling parties to sit together and resolve their grudges with the help of consultations,” said Mingora Musalihat Committee Chairman Mohammad Zubair. “We aim to rid our society of crimes and to help law enforcement agencies ensure peace in our valley,” he added.
DPO Khan said the respective committees were working in accordance with Pukhtun traditions as a jirga has multiple benefits for society. “We believe there are close ties between police and elders. They (elders) not only assist us in resolving issues but also keep us informed of any trouble that might be brewing in the area,” he said.
The official maintained elders bring criminal activities to the notice of the police following which prompt action is taken against the culprits. “We are in regular contact with the committee members and ensure they have adequate security if they ever feel threatened. Our complete support and cooperation is with them,” the DPO said.
A member of the Mingora Musalihat Committee, Bakht Taj said resolving disputes among people in such a manner is a step to providing free and fair justice to communities. “This is a good platform to provide prompt justice free of cost. There is no need for people to go to courts and hire lawyers who charge a hefty fee when conflicts can be resolved by mutual consultations locally.”
The meeting was attended by a large number of civil society members, elders of the area and policemen.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2013.
