In a major push to expand the use of mediation, arbitration, and ADR in Pakistan, the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (IMAC), established by the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Wednesday at FPCCI’s President Secretariat in Islamabad.
The ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law and Justice, as Chief Guest. The MoC was formally signed by Ms. Aisha Rasool, Senior Consultant (Research) and Project Director (IMAC), on behalf of the Ministry of Law and Justice, and Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar hailed the partnership as a “crucial step” in widening access to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Pakistan. He noted that with over 2.4 million cases currently pending in the courts, litigation remains costly and time-consuming, hindering both local businesses and international investors, while ADR offers “confidential, efficient, and amicable solutions” for both domestic and international disputes.
The Federal Minister emphasized that political stability and security come with economic stability, and FPCCI has a central role to play in ensuring that stability. He acknowledged that Pakistan has long been accustomed to an adversarial legal system, but time has shown that such a system is not business-friendly. Stressing that “time is money,” he remarked that it is high time to sit together and promote mediation, arbitration, and other ADR mechanisms for resolving business disputes.
The Minister also highlighted that the Prime Minister consistently stresses the need for a congenial environment and ease of doing business for both local and international business communities. He observed that the establishment of IMAC, along with its collaboration with FPCCI, is a guarantee of promoting ease of doing business through the resolution of disputes via ADR.
He appreciated the Project Director Ms. Aisha Rasool and her team in making IMAC functional in such a short time and for organizing training sessions and seminars across the country, including in all provincial capitals.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh welcomed the initiative, stressing that the agreement reflects a shared vision to strengthen legal frameworks, promote ADR, and align Pakistan’s commercial practices with international standards. He pledged FPCCI’s support in promoting mediation and arbitration across its vast network of more than 300 chambers and trade bodies. He noted that the agreement represents a milestone in institutionalizing ADR in Pakistan’s business and legal landscape, a move expected to boost investor confidence, spur economic growth, and ease pressure on the judiciary.
Ms. Aisha Rasool, Project Director IMAC, while speaking on the occasion, emphasized that the MoC would help mainstream ADR at institutional, professional, and business community levels. She described the partnership as a valuable example of how public–private collaboration can foster legal reform, enhance commercial dispute resolution, and contribute to building a more efficient and just business environment in Pakistan.
Hasnain Ibrahim Kazmi, Convener, ADR Committee, FPCCI, welcomed the MoC, noting that ADR offers businesses a faster, cost-effective way to resolve disputes. He pledged the ADR Committee’s full support in its implementation.
The ceremony was also attended by officers of the Ministry of Law and Justice, including Additional Secretary Mr. Khashih ur Rehman, Ehsan Ullah Khan, Ameer Muhammad Khan Niazi, and Gulfam Hameed. From FPCCI, the participants included Tariq Khan Jadoon, Karim Aziz Malik, Malik Sohail Hussain and other representatives from the business community.
The MoC is expected to pave the way for greater business confidence, strengthen Pakistan’s ADR framework, and enhance the country’s standing in the international dispute resolution community.
