The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chairman, Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), chaired the 48th meeting of the Commission today at the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by the Hon’ble Chief Justices of the Lahore High Court, High Court of Sindh, Peshawar High Court, and High Court of Balochistan; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, Judge, Islamabad High Court; the Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice; Senator Kamran Murtaza; and distinguished members of the Commission, including Khawaja Haris Ahmed, Mr. Anwar Kamal, and Barrister Sajid Zahid, Senior Advocates of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The Commission considered a proposal to introduce an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism in the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Ordinance, 2001, to facilitate the expeditious, cost-effective, and amicable resolution of banking disputes. The proposal emerged from a stakeholders’ consultation convened by the Hon’ble Chairman on 30 April 2026, which brought together representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Law and Justice, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Pakistan Banks Association, the Banking Mohtasib, the Bar Associations, business organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Following detailed deliberations, the Commission approved the proposed insertion of Section 10A in the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Ordinance, 2001, and resolved to recommend the amendment to the Federal Government for consideration. The proposed framework envisages establishing ADR Committees comprising individuals with expertise in law, banking, and commerce to facilitate negotiated settlements, reduce litigation, and promote the timely recovery of funds.
The Commission also reviewed progress on a number of ongoing law reform initiatives, including proposed reforms to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898; family laws; the Specific Relief Act, 1877; and procedural rules governing e-filing of cases. Members were informed that draft amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and the Family Courts Act, 1964, had been prepared. The Commission resolved that the draft proposals be circulated among all Members for comments prior to further processing.
The Commission was further informed that draft amendments to the Specific Relief Act, 1877, and procedural rules concerning e-filing are presently being prepared by the Secretariat of the LJCP and will be shared with Members upon completion for their review and feedback.
The Commission also considered proposals for amendments to Sections 9(1)(a), 10(1)(a), 26(1), 44(1)(d), 61(b), 72(1), and 74 of the Insolvency Act, 1920, with a view to aligning statutory thresholds and related provisions with contemporary economic realities. In addition, the Commission considered a proposal to amend Order XXXIII, Rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, governing suits by paupers, to enhance access to justice for economically disadvantaged litigants.
After deliberation, the Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, will take the necessary steps for processing the proposed amendments for consideration by the Government.
In his concluding remarks, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chairman, Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, observed that timely and effective dispute resolution remains essential for strengthening public confidence in the justice system, promoting economic growth, and ensuring meaningful access to justice. His Lordship emphasized the importance of continued legislative reform, improved case management practices, greater utilization of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and the adoption of modern technology to enhance judicial efficiency and reduce delays in court proceedings.
The Hon’ble Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting reforms aimed at making the justice system more efficient, accessible, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of society.
