By Aishma Gul
“In unity, there is strength.” This age-old proverb holds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where tribal jirgas, or traditional assemblies of elders, play an important role in modern security arrangements. With the increase of militancy and extremism, these jirgas have increasingly collaborated with security forces, assisting in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping in sensitive areas.
The Role of Jirgas in KP’s Security Landscape
Jirgas, which have long been part of the Pashtunwali code of conduct, is a trusted mechanism of dispute resolution and justice in tribal groups. However, in recent years, these assemblies have emerged as critical institutions in addressing security challenges, notably in tribal areas such as North Waziristan, Bajaur, and South Waziristan, which are prone to militant activity. The integration of jirgas into state security strategies enables authorities to use local leadership to manage conflicts and combat extremist violence.
Security Impact of Jirga Involvement
Recent security operations, community involvement, and the role of jirgas have all had a positive impact on the regional security situation. These assemblies have offered critical intelligence to security authorities, assisting in the location of militant hideouts and negotiating militant surrenders without confrontation.
In a recent incident, a devastating property dispute in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulted in the loss of 50 lives and over 200 injuries. However, it was the timely intervention of a jirga that brought an end to the six-day bloodshed between the two tribal groups.
Furthermore, jirgas have played an important role in securing peaceful outcomes in combat zones such as Bajaur, where a jirga recently secured the surrender of a well-known militant commander. This mediation procedure is critical because it minimizes violence while supporting local leadership in maintaining order.
In collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, restorative justice elements were integrated into jirgas through the efforts of organizations like Just Peace International (JPI). This initiative has placed elders in police stations throughout KP, allowing conflicts to be resolved without the need for formal legal proceedings, thereby decreasing tensions that could otherwise spiral into violence. The method provides a culturally acceptable alternative to courts, making it easier for local communities to resolve their issues amicably before they lead to serious security incidents.
One of the hybrid model’s primary strengths is its ability to reduce communal violence. Elders have successfully resolved cases of blood feuds, money disagreements, and even murders before they evolved into larger confrontations, demonstrating the jirga’s critical role in keeping peace and order. Moreover, by involving law enforcement in the process, jirgas have become more transparent and linked with official security processes, increasing trust between authorities and local populations.
The incorporation of jirgas into formal security protocols has also considerably increased the effectiveness of anti-terrorism measures. In districts such as Swat and Bajaur, where insurgent activity was previously a major concern, a mix of jirga diplomacy and military measures has resulted in regional stability. The military and police have been able to undertake counterinsurgency operations more effectively by incorporating local leaders in decision-making processes, resulting in more community cooperation and a lower probability of insurgent retaliation.
Government and Security Forces Collaboration
The collaboration between tribal jirgas and state security forces has resulted in a unique blend of traditional and modern approaches to peacekeeping.
Jirgas provide a level of local credibility that official initiatives frequently lack in the region. For example, in Khyber District, the government has collaborated with local jirgas to resolve land disputes, which are a frequent source of violence. Jirgas limit the likelihood of these disputes turning into full-fledged militant wars by resolving them locally.
The use of jirgas as mediators by security forces improves trust between these forces and residents. By working through these assemblies, the state avoids the appearance of heavy-handedness that frequently accompanies security operations, instead fostering a sense of communal responsibility for peace. This cooperation is evident in statements from government officials, who recognize the value of jirgas in achieving peaceful outcomes.
Strengthening Peace through Tradition
Jirgas in KP are proving to be effective partners in the fight against extremism and militancy. Their involvement in conflict resolution, intelligence sharing, and mediation has created a link between local populations and state security forces, thereby improving regional stability. As KP continues to face security issues, the participation of jirgas ensures that peace initiatives are grounded in local traditions while being supported by modern security frameworks.