Jirga and Sharitization: An Analysis of Maraka in District Karak

This paper aims at analyzing the traditional processes of conflict resolution in Pukhtoon society. The institution under study is Jirga an essential element of Pukhtunwali. By using Karak district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a case study, this paper explores Maraka a form of Jirga that dispenses justice at a local level on the basis of Pukhtunwali and Shariah. This study found that the current conflict in the region has significant implications for the institution of Maraka in terms of its structure, composition and dispensation of justice. In most of the Jirgas Ulama (religious clerics) are considered to be an essential part of it. The inclusion of Ulama is making this institution vulnerable to shariatization. A significant number of decisions are taking place on the basis of locally interpreted Shariah law. The paper argues that this trend of shariatization of this institution leads to the weakening of the social relations in the area.