JIRGA: A CONFLICT RESOLUTION INSTITUTION IN PUKHTOON SOCIETY

Fakhr -ul-Islam; Khan Faqir; Malik Amer Atta

Fakhr -ul-Islam Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Khan Faqir University of Science and Technology Bannu, Pakistan
Malik Amer Atta Institute of Education and Research, Gomal University, D.I.Khan

Keywords: Jirga, Pukhtoons, Tribe(s), disputes, verdict

Abstract

Jirga is a unique institution that exists in Pukhtoons social organization. It is a Pashtu word which means circle. (Gankoski and Malik, 2006). It is difficult to trace exact origin of Jirga. Nevertheless, it is as old as the community itself. In this paper the writer has dwelt upon origin and evolution of Jirga. How did Afghanistan and Pakistan adopt and accommodate the concept of Jirga as state institution has also been taken into consideration. Apart from consulting published material, the writer reached out to a number of people belonging to FATA (Federally Administered tribal Areas) and settled districts of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province of Pakistan for ascertaining their views on the subject. In this way, the paper contains up-to-date information and communal critique rather than review by a single writer.