Dispute Resolution through Customary Laws The Role of 2008 Murree Accord in Resolving Sectarianism in District Kurram

Abstract

2008 Murree Accord, commonly Known as Murree Jirga, is the one of the major joint agreement between Sunni and Shia groups of District Kurram regarding the resolution of 2006-07 long lasting sectarian conflicts. This is a unique agreement because it involves fifteen council elders (Maliks) from both sides of the two warring groups which have never signed such agreement in the past. This study aim in exploring the mediator role of the Jirga under customary laws in bringing stability and peace for the common good of the locals of District Kurram while addressing the major question that how Murree Accord proved to be successful in the peace and stability of the District? Further, the study is also try to highlight the provisions of the agreement that were supposed to be implemented in its true sense until the mid of 2009 using qualitative approach by conducting ten in-depth interviews with Maliks, participated in the Accord. This paper is therefore analyzing the subject matter at hand while looking at the role of Murree Jirga in the context of sectarianism to fill the gap in the existing literature in order to have a broader overview of the interplay between Jirga and Sectarianism.