Initiative Begins from Bajaur
On 2 January 2026, Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formally launched a new open court system aimed at strengthening public access to government and improving grievance redressal mechanisms.
The initiative officially started from Bajaur, marking a deliberate focus on remote and merged districts.
What Is the Open Court Initiative?
The open court system is a structured public hearing mechanism where citizens can directly submit complaints to senior provincial leadership.
Unlike traditional complaint systems, this initiative:
Operates through online public hearings
Reduces bureaucratic layers
Sets clear timelines for action
The primary objective is to ensure that public complaints are heard, documented, and resolved within a defined timeframe.
Key Facts and Official Framework
Launch Date: 2 January 2026
Starting District: Bajaur
Mode: Online open courts
Administrative Directive:
Concerned departments must resolve verified complaints within 14 days
Departments are required to report progress to the Chief Minister’s Office
This framework converts public complaints into measurable administrative responsibility rather than informal assurances.
Priority Issues Raised in the First Phase
During the initial open court sessions, complaints focused on areas that directly affect public life, including:
Education system issues (school facilities, teacher attendance)
Labor rights and minimum wage enforcement
Regulation of public transport fares
Performance of local administration departments
These sectors were prioritized due to their daily impact on households, income stability, and access to basic services.
Why the Initiative Started from Bajaur
Bajaur represents one of the merged districts that have historically faced:
Limited access to senior government officials
Slower grievance resolution
Higher costs for citizens seeking administrative support
By starting the open courts from Bajaur on 2 January 2026, the provincial government signaled that governance reforms would include peripheral regions from the outset, rather than being limited to major urban centers.
Impact on Governance and Administration
- Improved Accountability
The 14-day resolution instruction creates a performance benchmark for government departments, encouraging timely action and internal monitoring.
- Digital Governance Advancement
Online hearings expand participation and leave a documented trail of complaints, decisions, and follow-up actions—supporting transparency.
- Policy Feedback from Ground Level
Direct citizen input allows leadership to identify systemic weaknesses early, helping shape more responsive policies.
Direct Impact on the Public
For the public, the open court system introduced on 2 January 2026 brings practical changes rather than symbolic promises.
Citizens from Bajaur and similar districts no longer need to travel long distances or rely on intermediaries to raise issues. The online format lowers financial and logistical barriers, especially for low-income households.
The time-bound complaint resolution framework means citizens can reasonably expect feedback and action instead of indefinite waiting periods. This directly affects public confidence, particularly in areas such as education, wages, and transport costs.
Over time, consistent resolution of complaints can:
Reduce frustration with public offices
Encourage lawful engagement with institutions
Improve overall service quality
Long-Term Outlook
If expanded consistently across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the open court model could:
Strengthen citizen–government engagement
Improve service delivery standards
Serve as a governance model for other provinces
However, long-term success will depend on:
Consistent enforcement of the 14-day timeline
Transparent reporting of outcomes
Coordination between political leadership and bureaucracy
Conclusion
The launch of open courts by CM Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi on 2 January 2026, starting from Bajaur, represents a structural governance reform focused on access, accountability, and public service delivery. Its true effectiveness will be measured not by announcements, but by timely resolutions, transparency, and sustained implementation.