Sukkur police act against illegal jirga ordering “vani” and murder

An illegal jirga held in Sukkur has come under police scrutiny after a video of its proceedings surfaced online, prompting authorities to take swift action against those involved.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sukkur, the jirga allegedly issued an unlawful decision in a case involving accusations of a relationship between a man and a woman. The informal gathering reportedly ordered that the girl be given as “vani” a traditional but illegal practice in which women are forcibly married to settle disputes — as compensation against the boy’s family.

Police further stated that when the accused family refused to accept the jirga’s decision, the gathering also issued a directive calling for the killing of the young man. The SSP confirmed that such decisions have no legal standing and constitute a clear violation of Pakistan’s criminal law and constitutional rights.

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Following the emergence of the video, police registered a case on behalf of the state against 12 individuals allegedly involved in organising and enforcing the jirga’s verdict. Law enforcement officials have so far arrested eight suspects, while efforts are underway to apprehend four others who remain at large.

The FIR also includes allegations that the accused group threatened the man and forcibly disappeared him after issuing death threats linked to the dispute. Investigators are now examining the video footage and collecting additional evidence to identify all participants and facilitators of the illegal assembly.

Authorities have reiterated that parallel justice systems, including jirgas that issue punishments or settlements outside the formal judicial framework, are strictly prohibited under Pakistani law. Police officials have pledged to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice and warned against any attempts to bypass legal institutions.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the continued presence of illegal jirgas in parts of the country, despite repeated crackdowns and legal bans on such practices.