PESHAWAR: At least eight members of the same family, including five women and three children, were shot dead, while two others sustained injuries in Peshawar due to a property dispute. This bring the total death toll from property disputes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to 148 in the current year.
According to Peshawar police, the assailants entered the residence and opened fire in Badaber, killing five women and three children. DSP Badaber confirmed that the bodies are being transferred to the hospital for post-mortem examinations.
The assailants fled the scene, prompting a search operation by the police to apprehend the perpetrators.
Statistics from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reveal that this year, 1,158 people have been arrested in connection with property disputes, with Peshawar alone recording 22 deaths related to land disputes. The province has seen a rise in such disputes, leading to numerous fatalities annually.
Advocate Shahid Ali Yeftali, a lawyer from Peshawar High Court, highlighted that disputes often arise over inherited property, particularly when female heirs are involved. These disputes can escalate into criminal cases, resulting in tragic outcomes such as murder.
The police play a crucial role in managing property disputes, transferring civil cases to Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs). The DRCs, composed of impartial members, listen to both parties and issue recommendations based on the law, which are then implemented by the police. Despite efforts to resolve disputes amicably, some cases persist due to complex legal and familial dynamics.
In the merged tribal districts, land disputes pose a significant challenge due to historical grievances and inadequate land settlement processes. These disputes can escalate into prolonged conflicts involving entire communities, such as in Dara Adam Khel, resulting in substantial loss of life.
Efforts are ongoing to expedite court interventions in these matters to prevent further bloodshed and resolve disputes through legal channels promptly.
