SHANGLA: In a landmark decision, a jirga in Makhozi area of Puran tehsil on Tuesday vowed to ‘simplify’ living standards and curb unnecessary expenses at weddings and other festivals and functions.

Key resolutions passed at the forum include rejecting dowry, serving modest meals at weddings and deaths and guaranteeing women’s right in inheritance.

Elders of Sherkhel tribe from across the tehsil participated in the jirga, which followed several rounds of meetings, pursing people to do away with expensive lifestyles and customs, which were causing problems to the poor people.

The participants said that their motive was to make people lead simple life because most people were unable to afford high expenses at weddings, engagements, and funerals.

“We have decided to give only one or two tolas of gold to bride, which was previously five to 10 tolas. Similarly, it was decided to ensure provision of share to women in inheritance,” Hamid Malik, a jirga member, said.

He said there would be no multiple dishes in weddings, engagements, and other occasions.

The jirga unanimously decided not to receive dowry from the bride’s family.

Salman Ajaz, another participant, said that their tribe held several meetings before the final jirga to make living for everyone affordable.

He said in most parts of the area people were not bothered to grant property rights to women, which was not only against Islam but also injustice with them.

He added that gold prices were increasing with every passing day and people were unable to afford jewellery, hence marriages delayed and tensions increased between families. “The jirga unanimously decided to end this practice and give only one or two tola gold jewellery to the bride in ‘Haq Mehr’. “However, dowry would not be received from the bride’s family,” he said.

Haji Tasareen, an elder who chaired the jirga, pledged to end the unaffordable practices and live a simple life. “All Sherkhel tribesmen would abide by the decisions made at the jirga.”

He said property rights of women were enshrined in the Holy Quran, and one third share must be given to them in the inherited property. He urged the other tribes of the district to follow suit.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2025