For decades, inheritance disputes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have symbolized the arduous path to justice. Families, often fractured by the weight of unresolved claims, have had to wait years for their day in court. But the tide may finally be turning.
The Peshawar High Court has unveiled a plan to establish dedicated inheritance courts across the province, signaling a fresh approach to a chronic problem that has burdened the judiciary and citizens alike. The initiative, led by Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, seeks to address the staggering backlog of over 18,000 inheritance cases. These specialized courts will initially function at the divisional level, with senior civil judges presiding.
Over time, the system will expand to district and tehsil levels, ensuring greater accessibility for people across the province. Appellate courts, led by session judges, will oversee any appeals, creating a streamlined mechanism for swift resolutions. For Justice Ibrahim, this is not just about clearing the backlog; it’s about restoring faith in the judicial system. “Inheritance disputes are more than legal battles—they often tear families apart. Delays exacerbate these tensions, and it is the court’s duty to deliver timely justice,” he remarked during the launch of the program.
Recognizing the complexity of inheritance cases, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy has already begun preparing judges for the task ahead. A three-day training program was recently held for 24 Civil Judges and Illaqa Qazis, designed to equip them with the tools and expertise necessary to navigate these disputes efficiently. At the heart of the training was a focus on promoting social harmony through timely and impartial decisions.At the ceremony marking the training’s conclusion, Justice Ibrahim urged the importance of this initiative. “This isn’t just about resolving cases; it’s about healing wounds and preventing further strife,” he told attendees.
He also outlined broader reforms, including plans to address the shortage of judges, launch welfare projects, and revise Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) to enhance judicial accountability.The data paints a stark picture. Peshawar alone accounts for the highest number of pending inheritance cases in the province. Families embroiled in these disputes face years of uncertainty, often at the cost of relationships, livelihoods, and mental health.
The introduction of inheritance courts is expected to not only clear these cases but also offer hope to those who have long felt neglected by the justice system.
For the families waiting in line, this initiative offers a glimpse of something long overdue—a future where inheritance disputes are not lifelong battles but issues resolved with dignity and fairness. As the first courts prepare to open their doors, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may finally find the justice they have been waiting for.
