The Ministry of Law & Justice, through the International Mediation & Arbitration Centre (IMAC), successfully organized a Two-Day Introductory Training on Mediation at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), PARD Campus, Peshawar. The programme aimed to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)—particularly mediation—as a practical, time-saving, and cost-effective way to resolve disputes, in line with the Government’s commitment to improve access to justice and reduce the burden on courts.
The inaugural session was graced by Capt. (Retd.) Usman Gul, who highlighted that ADR is deeply rooted in our culture and shared his experience of mediating tribal disputes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He emphasized the value of mediation in institutional reform and in easing pressure on the formal justice system, and appreciated IMAC for bringing structured, practice-based capacity-building programmes to Peshawar through NIPA.
The programme included a keynote presentation on “ADR in Pakistan,” outlining the evolving legislative and institutional framework supporting ADR in the country. Technical sessions were conducted by Mian Sheeraz Javed, covering mediation fundamentals, conflict dynamics, and core practical skills, followed by interactive role-plays to help participants apply the learning. Aisha Rasool delivered a session on Effective Communication for Mediators and stressed that resolution of disputes begins with communication, while Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman led a focused session on negotiation and practical problem-solving. Structured role-plays and a debrief session further reinforced experiential learning throughout the training.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Riaz Khan Mahsud underscored the importance of mediation and modern ADR for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the newly merged districts. He noted that while the traditional Jirga reflects community-based reconciliation, modern mediation strengthens that spirit through neutrality, inclusivity, and legal safeguards. He appreciated the Ministry of Law & Justice and the IMAC team for extending ADR capacity-building programmes to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Drawing on his extensive administrative experience, he highlighted the value of dialogue, early intervention, and consensus-building in effective governance and dispute resolution.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Aisha Rasool, Senior Consultant, Ministry of Law & Justice, reaffirmed the Law and Justice Division’s commitment to promote ADR and provide a strong legal foundation for ADR mechanisms. She thanked the participants, lawyers’ associations, divisional administration, and universities for nominating participants, and appreciated NIPA for providing excellent space and support for the trainings.
Participants highly appreciated the quality, relevance, and practical value of the training and expressed strong interest in further capacity-building initiatives.
The event brought together lawyers, civil servants, academicians, and professionals from Southern Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the newly merged districts, strengthening awareness and practical skills in mediation. IMAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a culture of dialogue and structured dispute resolution across Pakistan through continued training and institutional collaboration.
