Islamabad:
The judge of the Miangul Hassan Aurengzeb Supreme Court has observed that the strengthening of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (ADR) not only improves the dispute resolution process, but also encourages foreign investment.
“Disputes can be sent to mediation in the previous stage, as well as pending litigation to guarantee timely and friendly settlements,” the judge said Sunday. It was one of the speakers in a ceremony held at the end of a six -day civil and commercial mediation training program.
The internationally accredited program was organized by the International Center for Mediation and Arbitration (IMAC), established by the Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with ADR -OD International.
Judge Aurengzeb also emphasized the importance of maintaining professional standards and credibility for mediators. He pointed out that mediation is not a threat to litigation, but his partner and his ally.
He underlined the need to integrate mediation into the judicial system through updated rules and laws, highlighting the importance of standardization for consistency and effectiveness.
The judge of the Supreme Court, Shahid Waheed, who was also the main guest, described mediation as a vital tool to reduce case attacks, strengthen access to justice and foster harmony.
He described the Pakistan Policy Directorate in the ADR, including the preparation of a model law, the establishment of mediation centers attached to the court, awareness campaigns and the “medifare” vision to promote a culture of dialogue.
Praising the role of IMAC in the development of capacities through training, congratulated the participants for becoming “mediation ambassadors” and emphasized that the ADR must be institutionalized, expanded throughout the country and integrate with technology to transform the landscape of Pakistan justice.
Held from September 16 to 21, the program trained judges of the higher courts, lawyers, government officials, academics and business professionals from all over Pakistan.
The general director of the Saarc Arbitration Council, Choing Dorji, also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing the strong potential for collaboration with the International Center for Mediation and Arbitration (IMAC).
He pointed out that while both institutions may appear as competitors, their shared objectives open roads for significant cooperation. The key areas identified include joint case management, training, policy defense and public scope.
