Pakistan’s first trade dispute resolution commission begins operations

September 15, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan’s first-ever Trade Dispute Resolution Commission (TDRC) has formally begun operations, marking a landmark development in the country’s trade governance.

The Commission, established under the Trade Dispute Resolution Act, 2022, is now fully appointed and operational with a defined roadmap aimed at providing a neutral, efficient, and transparent mechanism for resolving trade disputes.

Under the leadership of Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, the Commission comprises five members: Umar Dad Afridi, Javed Iqbal Khan, Muhammad Hamood Ur Rauf, Muhammad Rauf Khan and Riffat Inam Butt.

Immediate measures have been initiated to ensure functionality, including securing dedicated office space, finalizing service and financial rules, launching an online complaint portal and initiating a nationwide public awareness campaign.

The Minister emphasized that the TDRC would transform dispute resolution in Pakistan by strengthening business confidence and improving the country’s reputation as a fair trading partner.

He assured that the Executive Director General of the Trade Dispute Resolution Organization (TDRO) would extend full support to the Commission.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal praised the development, calling it proof of the government’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s trade institutions.

Members of the Commission also welcomed the directives, pledging to deliver on their mandate and ensure transparency and professionalism in handling trade disputes.

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