Jawzjan Elder Resolves 115 Disputes Through Jirga Over Nearly 13 Years

SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) -- Abdul Khaleq Haqyar, a 52-year-old ethnic elder from Jagdalk village in Shiberghan city, Jawzjan province, has mediated and resolved about 115 complex social and family disputes through local jirgas over nearly 13 years.

Haqyar relies on Islamic principles, local jirga traditions and community trust to achieve resolutions. Representing 64 villages without financial incentives, he has worked for about 10 years through the Department of Tribes and Clans, mediating between people and military, civil and criminal courts in both the previous and current systems.

Haqyar completed 12th grade education during migration in Pakistan and received religious education, which he says enables his trusted role. "Our life was full of problems and people were tired and weak. When I saw people's problems, I felt I should serve the people," he said.

He emphasized that officials and elders must uphold justice, truthfulness and honesty within Islamic laws. Haqyar views jirgas as preferable to formal courts, which rely on documents and lengthy procedures that exhaust many people financially and mentally. "People do not have the financial and mental capacity to continue these processes; therefore, we try to resolve problems through jirga, gain satisfaction from both sides, and create lasting peace," he said.

Haqyar described people's trust as his greatest capital and said his service transcends ethnic or linguistic boundaries. He identified fanaticism as a major challenge, with jirgas, religious scholars, mosque imams and reputable individuals playing key roles in reducing it.

He noted media's role in raising awareness and said jirgas now enjoy greater acceptance than in the past, helping reduce court burdens and strengthen social peace in current conditions.