A striking 21% of Pakistanis resort to jirgas or informal councils for resolving disputes, according to a recent survey by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan.

This reliance underscores both cultural traditions and the lack of access to formal justice mechanisms, while a significant 78% have not engaged with these traditional systems.

The survey, conducted nationwide, posed the question to a representative sample of adult men and women: “In many families or communities, disputes are resolved through a jirga or other informal methods. Has any of your or your family”s matters ever gone to a jirga?” The results revealed that 21% affirmed their use of these traditional methods, while 78% did not, and 1% chose not to respond.

The findings highlight the enduring relevance of jirgas in the country. Despite the majority of Pakistanis not depending on these mechanisms, nearly one-fifth turn to them, indicating cultural preferences and significant gaps in access, affordability, or trust in formal justice systems. This scenario suggests a need for policymakers to enhance formal justice systems to improve accessibility and public trust.

The study, conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, involved 1,060 participants from urban and rural areas across Pakistan”s four provinces. The survey was carried out between August 02, 2025, and August 21, 2025, using telephonic interviews (CATI). The margin of error is estimated at ± 2-3 percent at the 95% confidence level.