ڈیرہ غازی خان میں عائلی تنازعات کے بنیادی اسباب : اسلامی شریعت اور مقامی روایات کا تقابلی اور تطبیقی جائزہ

Root Causes of Family Conflicts in Dera Ghazi Khan: A Comparative and Applied Analysis of Islamic Law and Indigenous Cultural Practices

Abstract

This research explores the fundamental causes of family disputes in Dera Ghazi Khan, a region known for its tribal customs, low literacy rates, and deeply rooted patriarchal traditions. The study is divided into three major parts: (1) a historical, geographical, and cultural overview of Dera Ghazi Khan; (2) an in-depth analysis of the core socio-economic and cultural factors leading to domestic conflicts; and (3) a comparative and applied study of Islamic Shariah and local traditions in resolving such disputes.

The first part of the research presents the unique geographical and ethnic diversity of Dera Ghazi Khan, including the influence of Baloch and Saraiki cultures, socio-political history, and the role of tribal systems. It highlights how environmental isolation and limited access to modern education contribute to the persistence of conservative values and resistance to change.

The second part identifies key causes of familial discord, such as lack of education, tribal rigidity, domestic violence, financial constraints, forced marriages, joint family pressures, and the misapplication of honor-based ideologies. It also brings attention to the inadequate role of law enforcement, cultural barriers to women's inheritance rights, and the general lack of awareness about legal protections available to women.

The third and most critical section compares Islamic teachings on family rights and dispute resolution with the prevailing local customs. It evaluates how Islamic injunctions, especially from the Qur'an and Sunnah, emphasize justice, consultation, and respect for women in marital relations. On the contrary, local customs, particularly those enforced through traditional councils (Jirgas and Panchayats), often deviate from these principles, leading to oppression and injustice, particularly against women.

The research further examines the practical role of Islamic family courts in Pakistan, their challenges, and the legal remedies available under Islamic and constitutional frameworks. It emphasizes the need for greater integration of Islamic jurisprudence in local dispute resolution mechanisms and the importance of educating communities about women's rights in Islam.

In conclusion, the study suggests reforms that include empowering religious scholars, strengthening legal institutions, promoting gender-sensitive education, and aligning cultural practices with Shariah principles. It advocates for community-based awareness programs to reconcile traditional values with Islamic ethics, ensuring justice, harmony, and the protection of women's family rights.