Dr Rabia Gul & Rubab Mehdi
TP REPORT
PESHAWAR: The Ombudsperson Secretariat, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, conducted 9,970 hearings over the past nine months, resolving property disputes worth Rs2.33 billion through 150 commissions, according to its performance report. Human Rights Coordinator Dr. Rabia Gul said the number of monthly decisions increased significantly from 20 in July to 221 by March 2026, following the appointment of the Ombudsperson Rabab Mehdi. Official data showed that 96 commissions settled cases worth Rs1.36bn between July and December, while 54 commissions resolved disputes amounting to Rs970 million in January and February. Open courts (Khuli Kacheris) were held at the divisional level in the presence of commissioners and police officials. In Peshawar, around 2,500 citizens attended, where 1,600 inheritance and 900 human rights cases were taken up, with relief provided in 98 per cent of cases. In Abbottabad, property worth over Rs50 million was restored, while similar sessions in Mardan and Malakand saw on-the-spot disposal of complaints and registration of new cases. The secretariat reported a reduction in waiting time for hearings after introducing a daily cause list of 80 to 90 cases, with dates now being issued within 15 to 20 days. A 17-year-old pending case in Peshawar was among those decided, while in another instance, a complainant was given possession of property despite resistance, including a reported firing incident. Around 70 per cent of cases were resolved through mediation, while 6,895 cases were referred to relevant institutions, including the National Commission for Human Rights, police authorities, and family courts. Ombudsperson Rabab Mehdi said the institution would continue efforts to protect women’s rights and improve access to justice.
