Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
A workshop organised by the Ministry of Law and Justice in Peshawar highlighted the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR in addressing property and land related disputes. Participants described ADR as a practical, time saving and cost effective mechanism capable of easing pressure on the formal court system.
Legal experts and officials observed that property disputes including ownership claims, boundary demarcation conflicts, tenancy disagreements, inheritance based land partition, real estate development disputes, and compensation matters in land acquisition cases constitute a substantial portion of pending civil litigation. Prolonged trials, repeated hearings and successive appeals often delay final settlement in such cases.
Participants noted that ADR mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration and conciliation provide structured avenues for resolving private land and property conflicts outside lengthy courtroom proceedings. Under the existing legal framework, courts may refer suitable civil matters, particularly those involving property rights and contractual land transactions, to mediation centres or arbitrators for expedited settlement.
During the workshop, speakers highlighted that ADR is particularly effective in the following areas:
▪️ Disputes between property buyers and developers concerning delayed possession or unmet project obligations
▪️ Landlord and tenant disagreements regarding rent, eviction or lease enforcement
▪️ Boundary and title conflicts between adjoining landowners
▪️ Inheritance related division of agricultural and urban land
▪️ Compensation disputes arising from state led land acquisition
It was noted that mediated settlements may be recorded before courts for enforceability, thereby ensuring legal protection of property rights while avoiding extended litigation. Arbitration clauses are also commonly included in commercial real estate and construction agreements to establish a predefined dispute resolution mechanism.
Officials pointed out that rapid urban expansion and rising land values have contributed to a surge in litigation concerning plot allotments, title transfers, encroachments and housing scheme compliance. The effective use of ADR in such matters can facilitate quicker resolution, safeguard investments and support orderly development.
The workshop emphasised that while ADR does not replace the judiciary, it operates within the legal framework and remains subject to judicial oversight where necessary. Participants called for strengthening institutional mediation centres, enhancing capacity building initiatives and promoting pre litigation mediation in selected categories of land and property disputes to improve efficiency and reduce the burden on civil courts.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a major step to address organised begging across the province by approving the ‘Vagrancy Control and Rehabilitation Bill’ for presentation before the provincial cabinet. The initiative, endorsed by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, aims to dismantle syndicates exploiting vulnerable citizens and to regulate public spaces to prevent the spread of forced or organised begging.
Under the proposed legislation, provincial authorities will be empowered to monitor areas known for begging activities, identify and register vulnerable individuals, and coordinate with law enforcement to break up criminal networks profiting from exploitation. Special focus will be placed on minors, women, and differently-abled persons who are often forced into begging by organised groups.
The bill also outlines the creation of rehabilitation programs, including temporary shelters, educational support, and skill development initiatives, designed to help affected individuals reintegrate into society.
Dedicated funds will be allocated to support children targeted by begging networks. These resources will provide access to education, healthcare, vocational training, and safe shelter, ensuring that minors exploited by criminal groups receive protection and opportunities for long-term development.
Officials have emphasized that the bill seeks to balance law enforcement with social protection, aiming to eliminate organised begging while addressing the underlying social vulnerabilities that lead individuals, especially children, to be exploited. This legislative measure reflects the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to social welfare, public order, and community safety, and marks a significant step in protecting the rights of vulnerable populations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the construction of a new transmission line in Swat district to facilitate the transmission of low cost hydropower. The decision has been taken to integrate electricity generated from the province’s own resources into the provincial grid in a more effective manner and to ensure a stable supply to both urban and rural areas.
According to official sources, the proposed transmission line will connect various hydropower stations in Swat with the central provincial grid. This is expected to reduce technical bottlenecks in electricity transmission to the city and significantly lower line losses. The project will enable the regular supply of relatively affordable electricity to local industries, residential areas, and commercial centres.
The provincial government stated that the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to promote the effective use of renewable energy resources, ensure sustainable power generation, and support long term economic development in the region. Planning and implementation of the project are being carried out jointly by the provincial energy department and relevant technical institutions.
Officials noted that the expansion of the transmission network in Swat will not only meet growing energy requirements but will also encourage investment in industrial and commercial activities. This, in turn, is expected to create new employment opportunities at the local level and promote more efficient use of land and public facilities.
The provincial government has directed that feasibility studies, route surveys, and environmental assessments related to the project be completed in a timely manner so that construction proceeds in accordance with technical and safety standards. Once completed, the transmission line will fully integrate Swat’s hydropower into the provincial grid, strengthening energy security and providing low cost electricity to thousands of households and businesses.
The provincial administration has reiterated its commitment to the continued use of local resources, improvement of electricity networks in urban and rural areas, and the promotion of sustainable development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.