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), Peshawar for the Southern Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs). 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 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.
The Chief Guest, His Excellency Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated that mediation is not a departure from tradition but a structured and constitutionally safeguarded evolution of the region’s respected Jirga system. Referring to the burden of approximately 2.26 million pending cases in courts across Pakistan, he observed that mediation provides timely and cost-effective justice while restoring public confidence in the legal system. He welcomed the proposed amendments to the ADR Act, 2017, particularly the introduction of mandatory pre-trial mediation in specified disputes, and noted that the KP ADR Act, 2020 already offers a comprehensive provincial framework for alternative dispute resolution. He emphasized that effective dispute resolution strengthens investment climate, business confidence, social cohesion, and governance. Addressing participants from Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the newly merged districts, he urged them to serve as ambassadors of dialogue and institutional trust by promoting mediation prior to litigation within their communities.
The Governor appreciated the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre and the Ministry of Law and Justice for extending mediation training opportunities to remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also commended Ms. Aisha Rasool, Project Director IMAC, and her team for their dedicated efforts in advancing ADR, delivering training to diverse stakeholders, and fostering effective collaboration with national and international partners to promote alternative 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.
Capt. (Retd.) Usman Gul stated that Alternative Dispute Resolution is firmly rooted in local traditions. Drawing on his experience of mediating tribal disputes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, he described mediation as a practical instrument for institutional reform and for reducing pressure on the formal justice system. He commended the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre for delivering structured, practice-based capacity building programmes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and for effectively utilizing NIPA facilities to expand outreach and institutional impact.
Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman, former Federal Secretary and Lead Trainer at the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre, highlighted the growing importance of mediation at both global and local levels. Quoting the renowned poet Munir Niazi, “????? ??? ?? ???? ??? ???,” translated as “I always end up delaying,” he urged policymakers not to repeat the pattern of delay and to assume timely responsibility in advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution in collaboration with IMAC. He emphasized that decisive action is necessary to institutionalize mediation and strengthen access to justice.
Participants of the training 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.
During the visit, His Excellency also inaugurated the newly established orchard at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Peshawar, by planting a sapling, a symbolic gesture reflecting the shared commitment of NIPA and IMAC to sustainability, growth, and the nurturing of a culture of positive change through institutional development.
