Consultative workshop: Action plan discussed to strengthen DRCs

PESHAWAR: The Peace and Justice Network (PJN), in partnership with UNDP Pakistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, organized a divisional consultative workshop to develop an action plan for strengthening Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Held under the EU-funded Deliver Justice Project, the workshop brought together stakeholders from across the region, including DRC members from Peshawar and Khyber, judiciary representatives, law enforcement, civil society, legal experts, and community leaders, to strategize on enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of DRCs, said a press release issued on Friday.

The organisers said the workshop aimed to address challenges faced by DRCs and create a comprehensive action plan for empowering these councils as key mechanisms for resolving disputes and ensuring access to justice.

Syed Raza Ali, CEO of the Peace & Justice Network, said: “Strengthening DRCs is critical for ensuring that justice is accessible, efficient, and inclusive, particularly for marginalized groups. DRCs have the potential to bring justice closer to the people, reducing the burden on formal courts and fostering trust within communities.”

SSP Coordination Peshawar, Muhammad Waqas Khan, said: “As Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, DRCs are instrumental in reducing conflicts at the community level. Strengthening their operational capacity is essential to maintaining social harmony and addressing disputes efficiently.”

Salma Zeb, Rule of Law Specialist, UNDP Pakistan, highlighted the importance of inclusivity, stating: “For DRCs to be truly effective, they must represent and address the needs of all community members, including women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Inclusivity is at the heart of sustainable justice and peace.

Nayyab Ali, Transgender Rights Advocate and In-charge Islamabad Police Gender Cell, added: “DRCs must actively engage marginalized groups, including transgender individuals, to build trust and ensure equitable access to justice.

Nida Khan, Rule of Law Advisor, PJN, underscored the need for gender responsiveness in DRCs, noting, “A gender-sensitive approach in dispute resolution ensures that the voices of women and girls are heard and their grievances addressed. This is vital for creating a more equitable and just society.”

Wajid Ali Khan, Director, Regulation and Additional District & Session Judge, said: “DRCs play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between communities and formal justice institutions. By improving their procedural frameworks and providing adequate resources, we can ensure their sustainability and effectiveness.”

Peshawar Capital City Police Officer Qasim Ali Khan praised the efforts of DRC members, stating that the DRC was a transparent and active institution dedicated to delivering justice and addressing the everyday challenges faced by the community.

Participants delved into the socio-cultural dynamics of the Peshawar division, discussing barriers such as procedural complexities, limited resources, and public awareness. Recommendations made included strengthening legal and procedural frameworks governing DRCs, enhancing inclusivity by increasing the participation of women, transgender individuals, religious minorities, and persons with disabilities, improving coordination between DRCs and formal justice institutions for collaboration as well as providing technical and operational training to the DRC members.