Jirga System in
Pakistan seems to have very conflicting public opinions. On one hand people
living in urban areas believing in liberalism have disdained this system of
justice but on the other hand those living far away from metropolitan cities
still have confidence on this centuries old system to resolve their disputes. Both
the factions are right to some extent.
Like every other
system in Pakistan Jirga system also has its shortcomings. When it comes to
punishing and announcing verdict against the guilty, men are mostly left off
the hook and the punishments are endured by the close female relatives and
sisters of the culprit. There is no women member in the Jirga cabinet so it
does not represent the whole society of that particular place. Moreover, there
is no one in the cabinet to speak for the women and this more often leads to
such harsh decisions like of declaring thirteen girls vani to settle a tribal
feud. Jirga is a 5,000 years old tradition so it is deeply rooted in the minds
of tribesmen. That’s why it can never be eradicated. It is wise to make this
system better rather to exterminate it from the society and from the brains of
people. This can only be achieved by implementing some reforms such as 1) Jirga
cabinet should have representation of youth, women and minorities. 2) The local
government should be officially informed about its members so that in case of
crisis the government should know who to blame for being guilty. 3) The
verdicts of Jirga can be challenged in district and session courts so those who
does not agree with verdicts can go to court for justice. 4) Punishments a Jirga
can give must be defined and women, children should not be used to settle
disputes between people.
The reason, why
Jirga system should not be abandoned is because the judicial system in Pakistan
is corrupt and inefficient. It takes years to reach the logical end of cases.
But people always want immediate response and justice. Judicial system cannot
reach to grassroots level. In order to fill this gap this Jirga system is
needed to follow up and solve people’s daily lives disputes. It’s an old
cherished tradition for them and old habits die hard so it should be modified
not demolished.
1 comment:
I think that some of the reforms you listed are quite good and perhaps some will get implemented in the years and decades ahead. Also, I think that traditional beliefs can fundamentally changed, see for example the end of sati in India. If the jirga system outlasts its utility - although this is a big if - then it could whither away. But even if it doesn't go away, some reforms are needed, particularly in regards to women's issues.
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