The International Mediation & Arbitration Centre (IMAC), established by the Ministry of Law & Justice in collaboration with ADR-ODR International, successfully concluded its six-day internationally accredited Civil and Commercial Mediation Training Programme at COMSTECH, Islamabad. Held from 16th to 21st September, the programme trained judges of the High Courts, lawyers, government officers, academicians, and business professionals from across Pakistan.
The dignified closing ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; the Federal Minister for Law & Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar; and H.E. Choining Dorji, Director General SAARC Arbitration Council. The training was led by internationally renowned experts Mr. Rahim Shamji, Ms. Sarah Tarar, and Dr. Khalid Hamid Chowdhury.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed, Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan, as Chief Guest, underscored mediation as a vital tool to reduce case backlogs, strengthen access to justice, and foster harmony. He outlined Pakistan’s policy direction on ADR, including the preparation of a Model Law, establishment of court-annexed mediation centres, awareness campaigns, and the “Medifare” vision to nurture a culture of dialogue. Justice Waheed also appreciated the contributions of IMAC’s Project Director, Ms. Aisha Rasool, who is a member of the ADR Committee of the Supreme Court. Commending IMAC’s pioneering role in capacity building through internationally accredited training, he congratulated the participants for becoming ambassadors of mediation and stressed that ADR must be institutionalised, expanded nationwide, and integrated with technology to transform Pakistan’s justice landscape.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of maintaining professional standards and credibility for mediators. He noted that mediation is not a threat to litigation but rather its partner and ally. He underscored the need to embed mediation within the judicial system through updated rules and laws, highlighting the importance of standardization for consistency and effectiveness. Justice Aurangzeb further observed that strengthening ADR mechanisms enhances dispute resolution, which in turn encourages foreign investment. He added that disputes can be referred to mediation at the pre-trial stage as well as from pending litigation to ensure timely and amicable settlements.
The Director General of the SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO) emphasized the strong potential for collaboration with the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (IMAC). He noted that while both institutions may appear as competitors, their shared objectives open avenues for meaningful cooperation. Key areas identified include joint case management, training, policy advocacy, and public outreach. He particularly highlighted promoting the Singapore Convention and recognition of mediated settlements. The DG affirmed SARCO’s commitment to working with IMAC to deliver justice that is fast, fair, and cost-effective.
The Federal Minister for Law & Justice highlighted the urgency of adopting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), noting the backlog of 2.4 million cases in Pakistan’s courts, including over 300,000 in the High Courts and 1.8 million in the District Courts, where civil disputes often take up to 15 years to conclude. In contrast, ADR provides resolution in an average of just 75 days. He further noted Pakistan’s recent signing of the Singapore Convention on Mediation, positioning the country to align with global standards. Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting IMAC, he emphasised plans to scale up mediation centres nationwide and strengthen Pakistan’s role as a credible ADR hub. The Minister also appreciated the IMAC team for not only creating widespread awareness but also training professionals across the country in mediation and arbitration.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf, while sharing his feedback as a participant of the training, highly appreciated the efforts of the IMAC team and the trainers. He underscored the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in addressing the challenges of the justice system and emphasized its growing need in Pakistan. Justice Rauf also stressed the significance of enhanced coordination among stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation and institutionalisation of ADR mechanisms.
Speaking on behalf of the trainers, Ms. Sarah Tarar, CEO ADR-ODR International Pakistan, shared her perspective on the training journey and the significance of equipping professionals with advanced mediation skills.
