Property disputes have claimed 148 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year. The recent killing of eight people in Peshawar’s Badaber area highlights this crisis. Land disputes are the major cause of enmities and deaths in the region. These conflicts often involve innocent victims, including women and children, requiring urgent solutions to save lives and prevent long-standing feuds.
The property disputes in Badaber, resulting in the brutal killing of women and children, underscore the need for immediate government intervention. Authorities must act promptly to mitigate these tragic incidents. This year, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has arrested 1,158 people related to property disputes. Peshawar alone has seen 22 deaths due to land conflicts. The rising number of such incidents leads to many fatalities annually.
Advocate Shahid Ali Yeftali, from Peshawar High Court, explains that these disputes often stem from inherited property, especially when female heirs are involved. These conflicts can escalate into criminal cases, resulting in tragic outcomes like murder.
The police play a crucial role in managing property disputes. They transfer civil cases to Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs). These councils, composed of impartial members, listen to both parties and issue recommendations based on the law. The police then implement these recommendations. Despite efforts to resolve disputes amicably, some cases persist due to complex legal and familial dynamics.
In the merged tribal districts, land disputes are a significant challenge. Historical grievances and inadequate land settlement processes often escalate into prolonged conflicts involving entire communities. Areas like Dara Adam Khel have seen substantial loss of life due to these disputes.
Efforts are ongoing to expedite court interventions in property disputes to prevent further bloodshed. Authorities aim to resolve these issues through legal channels promptly. There is a dire need to create awareness among people about taking their issues to DRCs or courts. This approach can help settle land issues without resorting to enmities and bloody clashes.
Property disputes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa need urgent attention. The government and relevant authorities must act swiftly to prevent further tragedies and save lives.
