First woman joins tribal Jirga

In a landmark development for Pakistan's tribal regions, Razia Mehsud has become the first woman appointed as a member of a Dispute Resolution Council (DRC) in Upper South Waziristan.

In a landmark development for Pakistan’s tribal regions, Razia Mehsud has become the first woman appointed as a member of a Dispute Resolution Council (DRC) in Upper South Waziristan. The appointment is being widely viewed as a significant step toward increasing women’s representation and improving their access to justice in the former tribal districts.

Razia Mehsud, a well-known social activist, has long been involved in community development and women’s rights initiatives. Her inclusion in the Dispute Resolution Council marks a historic milestone for the region, where traditional decision-making bodies have traditionally been dominated by men.

According to an official notification issued by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Dera Ismail Khan Region, the 17-member Dispute Resolution Council was established on the recommendation of District Police Officer (DPO) Upper South Waziristan Arshad Khan. For the first time in the district’s history, a woman has been included as a council member.

The Dispute Resolution Council serves as a community-based platform that helps resolve local disputes through mediation and dialogue, providing an alternative to lengthy legal proceedings. The inclusion of a female member is expected to improve the handling of cases involving women and families while encouraging greater public confidence in the council’s work.

Local community leaders, tribal elders, and social activists have welcomed the appointment, describing it as a positive move toward gender inclusion and equal participation in public decision-making. They believe Razia Mehsud’s presence will help ensure that women’s concerns are heard more effectively and that gender-related issues receive the attention they deserve.

Residents and civil society representatives also expect her appointment to encourage more women to seek assistance in resolving disputes, particularly in cases involving domestic issues, family conflicts and community welfare. Many believe that having a female representative on the council will make the dispute resolution process more accessible and comfortable for women who may have previously been reluctant to come forward.

Supporters say the decision reflects gradual social progress in the tribal districts, where women’s participation in public institutions has historically been limited. They argue that including women in local governance and conflict resolution can strengthen community trust and contribute to more balanced and inclusive decision-making.

The appointment has been praised by public figures, social organizations and tribal representatives, who described it as an important milestone not only for Upper South Waziristan but for the entire Waziristan region. They expressed hope that the initiative will pave the way for greater female participation in administrative, judicial and community leadership roles across Pakistan’s tribal areas.