Jirga and Panchayat Decisions in Family Disputes: Are They Legal?

The legal status of jirga and panchayat decisions in family matters, and when they violate the law.

Jirga and panchayat decisions have no legal standing in Pakistani law. They are informal dispute resolution mechanisms with no statutory authority. Decisions of jirgas that violate fundamental rights (such as giving women in marriage as compensation, or denying women their inheritance) are not only void but may constitute criminal offences. The Supreme Court has repeatedly declared such practices illegal (PLD 2019 SC 675). Family disputes must be resolved through the Family Court. If a jirga pressures you to accept an unlawful decision, report to the police and approach the Family Court.

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