The 6-Day Internationally Accredited Mediation Training Programme arranged by the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and conducted by ADR-ODR International, started today at COMSTECH, Islamabad.
In his welcome address, Mr. Raja Naeem Akbar, Secretary Law and Justice, welcomed and thanked all the participants. The Secretary highlighted contributions of the Ministry of Law and Justice in institutionalizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Pakistan, including the recent signing of the Singapore Convention on Mediation, notification of 129 internationally accredited mediators, establishment of six mediation centres, and training of over 576 professionals nationwide. He emphasized that mediation offers a timely, cost-effective solution to the backlog of over 2.4 million pending cases in Pakistan.
Ms. Aisha Rasool, the Project Director of the International Mediation & Arbitration Centre (IMAC), stated that IMAC, a key initiative of Pakistan's Ministry of Law & Justice, aims to transform the country's approach to resolving disputes by offering simpler, quicker, and globally accepted solutions. She highlighted that IMAC seeks to tackle the significant backlog of court cases by reducing the resolution time from several years to just weeks. This will not only ease pressure on the judicial system but also create a positive environment for businesses, attract investment, and strengthen public confidence in Pakistan’s legal institutions.
Mr. Rahim Shamji, Founder and CEO of ADR ODR International and lead trainer, emphasized that mediation is rapidly becoming a global force, while traditional litigation is gradually losing its appeal. Appreciating the efforts of the Government of Pakistan, Mr. Shamji noted that initiatives like IMAC demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to adopting modern and globally recognized dispute resolution methods, positioning the country favorably in the international arena.
Ms. Sarah Tarar, ADR ODR International’s Resident Representative and lead trainer for Pakistan, emphasized that traditional litigation typically results in one party winning and the other losing, whereas Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ensures that all parties achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. She stressed that integrating ADR into Pakistan's legal framework is not just beneficial but essential for fostering harmony, efficiency, and fairness within the justice system.
The six-day triple accredited civil/commercial mediation training programme has attracted participants from various sectors, including the Federal Minster for Law and Justice, Minister of State for Law and Justice, officers from the ministries, provincial governments, judicial institutions, bar councils, business chambers, and regulatory authorities. Once equipped with mediation skills, these professionals will be capable of effectively mediating civil and commercial disputes both within Pakistan and internationally, enhancing the global perception of Pakistan’s legal ecosystem.
