Upper South Waziristan appoints first woman to dispute resolution council

ISLAMABAD: In a first for Upper South Waziristan, social activist Razia Mehsud has been appointed to the district's Dispute Resolution Council, marking the first time a woman has been included in the forum.

According to an official notification issued by the Dera Ismail Khan regional police officer on Monday, the 17-member council was formed on the recommendation of Upper South Waziristan District Police Officer Arshad Khan. The appointment is being seen as an important step for women's representation in the tribal district.

The Dispute Resolution Council, set up by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, functions as a community-based platform for settling local disputes through mediation. The mechanism is intended to ease pressure on the courts while supporting accessible and peaceful resolution of conflicts at the local level.

Razia Mehsud is expected to contribute particularly to cases involving women's complaints, family matters and wider community concerns. Her inclusion comes at a time when women in tribal areas have often faced cultural hurdles in taking their cases to forums dominated by men.

Local tribal elders, social activists and community representatives have welcomed the development and say it could improve women's access to justice in the district. They believe a woman member on the council may help build confidence among female complainants and strengthen women's role in local decision-making.

Observers also see the move as a possible opening for wider gender inclusion in traditional dispute-settlement structures across the tribal districts.