In a landmark event that could reshape Pakistan’s legal landscape, the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi hosted a transformative seminar on the future of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the country. Titled “The Way Forward for the ADR Movement in Pakistan,” the seminar, organized by the ADR International Center (ADRIC) at IBA in collaboration with the Malaysian International Mediation Centre (MIMC), brought together top legal minds, international experts, and key stakeholders to chart a new course for dispute resolution in Pakistan.
Held at the IBA City Campus, the event featured Honorable Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and Head of the ADR Committee, and Honorable Justice Jawad Hasan of the Lahore High Court as keynote speakers. Dr S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA, lauded Justice Shah’s pioneering efforts in advancing ADR and climate justice, calling him a “transformative force” in the field.
Justice Shah unveiled sweeping legislative reforms, including a new arbitration law set to replace the archaic 1940 legislation. The reforms aim to reduce court interference and create a more efficient, modern framework for resolving disputes. He also praised IBA’s ADR initiatives, particularly the IBA-ADRIC and its partnership with MIMC, for their role in training the next generation of mediators.
Justice Jawad Hasan highlighted Pakistan’s remarkable progress in institutionalizing ADR, particularly through the amendment of Section 134, which now mandates mediation for state-owned enterprises, eliminating the option for appeals. This bold move positions Pakistan as a global leader in ADR, surpassing even Western nations like the UK and USA, where ADR remains voluntary.
The seminar was part of the MIMC International Mediators’ Training Program, a week-long capacity-building initiative featuring renowned trainers such as Datuk Kuthubul Zaman and Datuk Abdul Fareed, former Presidents of the Malaysian Bar Council. Mr Kamran Bilgrami, Director of IBA-CEE, emphasized the critical role of academic institutions in fostering ADR expertise, while Mr Bulent Sohail, Head of Partnerships at IBA-ADRIC, expressed gratitude to the trainers and justices for their unwavering support.
With its 70-year legacy of academic excellence, IBA Karachi continues to lead the charge in shaping Pakistan’s future. This seminar not only underscored the institution’s commitment to innovation but also signaled a new era for dispute resolution in the country—one that promises efficiency, inclusivity, and global collaboration. As Pakistan takes bold strides in ADR, the world is watching.