MINGORA: The last chief justice (Qaziul Qazza) of former Swat state firmly believes strong judicial system and speedy dispensation of justice to the people was the secret behind durable peace and prosperity in the princely state, which merged with Pakistan in 1969.

Qazi Ghufranuddin, who served Swat state first as Qazi and then as Qaziul Qazza, still recalls and discusses the golden era of Wali-i-Swat Miangul Jahanzeb Abdul Haq, the last ruler of the state.

Born in Nawakaley area of Mingora in 1924, Qazi Ghufranuddin received his primary education at Wadudia High School, the first educational institution in Swat state.

He later went to Dehli, India, at the age of 12 in 1936 to get religious education. At that time, he was in seventh grade.

“I was more inclined towards religious education so I got admission in Darul Uloom Fatehpuri in Dehli. I learned a lot from Mufti Kifayatullah Dihalwi, a noted Indian Islamic scholar,” he told Dawn.

Last Qaziul Qazza recalls golden days of former princely state

On his homecoming, Qazi Ghufranuddin was appointed Qazi (judge) in the Swat state judicial system on the recommendation of Miangul Abdul Wadud Badshah Sahib.

“At first, I was appointed a teacher in the newly established Government High School Banr in Mingora for the monthly salary of Rs75. However, I didn’t accept the job as I was interested in religious affairs, so Wali Sahib sent me to Darul Qaza (justice department) as Qazi,” he said.

Qazi Ghufranuddin was later promoted to the position of Nazim-i-Ala to monitor judicial system across the state.

In the days ahead, he became Qaziul Qazza (the Chief Justice) of Swat state.

There were 24 Qazza departments in Swat state, while the one in Saidu Sharif was the supreme Darul Qazza having central position, where cases would come if respondent or defendant(s) objected to the verdict of the judicial department at tehsil level.

“And if either party in a case had objection to the decision of Darul Qazza in Saidu Sharif, the case would be sent to Darul Uloom for review and final decision. The head of Darul Uloom, at that time was Maulana Martoong, a renowned religious figure,” he said.

He said most cases were of civil nature and not that of criminal during the times of the princely state.

Describing judicial system of Swat state era, Qazi Ghufranuddin said, “During the rule of Badshah Sahib, verdicts of cases were given in line with riwaj (customs) and sharia but in the era of Wali Sahib, we would examine cases and announce verdicts on them purely in light of Islamic law and free from any influence.”

He added that a panel of qazis (judges) would decide a case after thorough consultation and in light of evidence and even a murder case would never take more than a week for decision.

However, he admitted that some cases of political nature were decided directly by Wali of Swat.

Referring to an incident showing the strong writ of the government in the princely state, Qazi Ghufranuddin said once he and Wali Sahib were on a visit to upper Swat that they found a man, with his donkey, appeared to be in trouble.

“When asked, the man told Wali Sahib that he was carrying salt to Kalam on donkey and laid down to take some rest but found the salt stolen when he got up.

“Wali Sahib immediately purchased salt for him from the state treasury and ordered elders of the area to find and hand over the thief by 9am the next morning. He warned them of strict action in case of failure. And early next morning, the thief appeared before Wali Sahib before 9am,” he said.

Qazi Ghufranuddin said written records of all cases and its verdicts of the state era were still available.

Describing status of peace during Swat state’s times, he said the state era was truly peaceful in which only 24 murder incidents occurred and majority of which happened in Kohistani areas.

Quoting Wali Sahib, he said the last ruler of the princely state always expressed his dreams to bring Swat to the level of Switzerland in development.

“Apart from striving to make education, communication and health departments model institutions, Wali Sahib would always focus his attention on beautification, tidiness and cleanliness of cities and towns in the state,” he said.

Even after Swat state was merged with Pakistan in 1969, Qazi Ghufranuddin continued to hold his position. He worked in the office until 1993.

Regarded as a moderate religious figure, Qazi Ghufranuddin always terms modern education indispensable for development in a society. He also motivates people to administer anti-polio vaccine to their children. Currently, he lives in Kokarai valley with his children.

Qazi Ghufranuddin has written several books and translated some Arabic and Persian books into Pashto language, including Diwan of Hafiz Alpurai.

His book of translation and explanation (Tafseer) of the Holy Quran titled Tarjuman ul Quran is also ready for publishing, while his books on inheritance and a translation of difficult words of the Holy Quran will soon be published.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play