Supreme Court Judges, Law Minister stress ADR as key to justice reform

September 22, 2025 (MLN): The International Mediation & Arbitration Centre (IMAC), in collaboration with ADR-ODR International, has successfully concluded a six-day internationally accredited Civil and Commercial Mediation Training Programme in Islamabad, aimed at building capacity among judges, lawyers, government officers, academicians, and business professionals across Pakistan.

The programme, held from 16th to 21st September at COMSTECH, marked a significant step toward institutionalising Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the country.

The closing ceremony was attended by Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed and Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; Federal Minister for Law & Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar; and H.E. Choining Dorji, Director General SAARC Arbitration Council.

The training was led by international experts Mr. Rahim Shamji, Ms. Sarah Tarar, and Dr. Khalid Hamid Chowdhury.

Justice Shahid Waheed, as Chief Guest, emphasized mediation as a vital tool to reduce case backlogs, strengthen access to justice, and foster harmony.

He highlighted policy directions including a Model Law on ADR, court-annexed mediation centres, awareness campaigns and the “Medifare” vision, while also appreciating IMAC’s Project Director, Ms. Aisha Rasool, for her contributions.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb emphasized maintaining professional standards and credibility for mediators, stressing that mediation complements litigation.

He called for updated rules, laws and standardization to embed mediation into the judicial system, noting its role in encouraging foreign investment and timely settlements.

The Director General of the SAARC Arbitration Council highlighted opportunities for collaboration with IMAC, including joint case management, training and advocacy, while reaffirming SARCO’s commitment to fast and cost-effective justice.

Senator Azam Nazir Tarar pointed to the backlog of 2.4 million cases in Pakistan’s courts, contrasting lengthy litigation with ADR’s 75-day average resolution period.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for scaling up mediation centres and noted Pakistan’s signing of the Singapore Convention on Mediation as a step toward global alignment.

Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf, a participant of the programme, praised IMAC’s efforts and emphasized greater coordination for effective ADR implementation.

Speaking on behalf of the trainers, Ms. Sarah Tarar shared the significance of equipping professionals with advanced mediation skills.

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