Reviving The Jirga System with Safeguards: Can Adr Be a Tool Against Honor Killings

Abstract

This research paper provides comprehensive analysis on Honor killing and Jirga system. Honor Killing is the one of the most serious social problems in Pakistan, where women often victims the harmful traditions. The Jirga system which is traditional method of resolving disputes is deeply rooted in many communities of rural areas but is often criticized for being unfair and discriminatory especially towards women. This research paper explores whether reviving the Jirga system with strong safeguards and legal monitoring can work as a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to reduce honor killing by adding protections such as women's participation, state supervision, and accountability measures, the Jirga could be a reformed into a community-based justice system that helps in preventing honor crimes.  Furthermore, the Jirga System cannot be fully replacing the formal judicial system but it can serve as complementary mechanisms if legally restructured and monitored its strength, accessibility, speed, and cultural legitimacy can be redirected towards preventing honor killing. The study concludes that a restricted Jirga system integrated within the formal legal order has the potential to function as a complementary ADR tool to combat honor-based violence provided it is reoriented toward justice rather than tradition.

Keywords: Jirga system, Honor Killing, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Safeguards, Customary Laws, Women's Rights, Legal Reforms.