The Pashtun Jirga: Customary Governance in a Changing State
The Pashtun Jirga system is a traditional dispute resolution mechanism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, deeply rooted in Pashtun culture and the Pashtunwali code. Despite challenges from modern legal systems, it remains influential in areas with weak state presence, adapting to contemporary issues like gender roles and governance. The article explores its historical evolution, structure, legal relevance, and potential integration with formal state institutions.