EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION COUNCIL MARDAN: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF FAMILIAL AND CIVIL DISPUTES

Abstract

This study undertakes an exploratory investigation of the Dispute Resolution Council (DRC) in Mardan, focusing on its mechanisms, challenges, and effectiveness in addressing disputes, particularly familial cases. The theoretical underpinning of this research is John Galtung’s theory of Structural Violence, which posits that violence originates in cultural processes and becomes manifest when embedded within societal structures. Guided by this framework and the identified gap in existing literature, the study employs a qualitative research design. Data were collected through interviews with 15 cases, after which saturation was achieved. The findings reveal that while the DRC has been relatively effective in resolving monetary and civil disputes, it has been less successful in handling familial conflicts, particularly those related to divorce. The study concludes by suggesting that the inclusion of experts in Islamic theology could enhance the Council’s effectiveness in addressing sensitive familial cases.