DefinePK

Abstract

Land disputes represent one of the most persistent and complex challenges in Pakistan’s judicial system, particularly within the civil and revenue courts of Peshawar. These disputes, often concerning ownership, inheritance, and boundary issues, are characterized by prolonged litigation, systemic inefficiencies, and overlapping jurisdictions between civil and revenue authorities. This study employs a qualitative and analytical methodology, drawing insights from 30 purposively selected respondents, including judges, revenue officers, senior advocates, and litigants, to examine the structural, procedural, and administrative barriers that hinder timely justice in land dispute cases.Findings reveal that legal and institutional weaknesses, such as an overburdened judiciary, shortage of judges, inadequate process-serving staff, and lack of technological resources, significantly contribute to delays. Furthermore, procedural complexities, jurisdictional conflicts, corruption, and outdated revenue record systems exacerbate public mistrust in the judicial process. Micro-level issues, including witness non-compliance, poor case management, and financial constraints, further obstruct access to justice.The study recommends comprehensive judicial reforms, including amendments in civil procedural and revenue laws the computerization of revenue records, enhanced training for judicial officers, implementation of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, stricter accountability for corruption, and improved coordination between the bar and bench. These measures aim to ensure speedy, transparent, and equitable adjudication of land disputes in Peshawar.