The International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC), Ministry of Law and Justice, successfully concluded its first Internationally Accredited Arbitration Training Programme (Module I) with a Certificate Distribution Ceremony held at the COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad. The five-day programme marks a major milestone in Pakistan's efforts to develop internationally accredited arbitrators and strengthen the country's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework.
The ceremony was graced by Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, as the Chief Guest. He commended IMAC for leading institutional reforms in arbitration and mediation and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to building a modern, efficient, and investment-friendly justice system. He observed that arbitration is no longer merely an alternative to litigation but a key pillar of economic growth, ease of doing business, and investor confidence. He noted that internationally accredited training strengthens Pakistan's compliance with international arbitration standards and broadens the country's ADR framework to include arbitration, conciliation, and negotiation.
The Minister also highlighted key legal reforms, including court-annexed mediation in commercial disputes and the establishment of commercial courts. He said these initiatives would help create a more arbitration-friendly legal environment. Appreciating IMAC's collaboration with leading international institutions, he expressed confidence that the programme would produce a new generation of skilled arbitrators capable of representing Pakistan with distinction at both the national and international levels.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Aisha Rasool, Project Director, IMAC, congratulated the participants on successfully completing the programme. She thanked the trainers, partner organizations, and assessors for their valuable contributions. She reaffirmed IMAC's commitment to institutionalizing ADR through professional training, accreditation, legislative reforms, and international collaboration. She also acknowledged the continued support of the International Centre for Appropriate Dispute Resolution & Prevention (ICADRP), Pakistan, and the International Law Institute (ILI), United States.
Addressing the participants, Carlos Davila, International Trainer from the International Law Institute (ILI), United States, congratulated the graduating cohort as "future arbitrators." He praised their professionalism, analytical skills, and active participation throughout the programme.
Dr. Nudrat Piracha, Trainer from ICADRP, emphasized the practical dimensions of arbitration. She stressed the importance of international best practices, professional ethics, and continuous learning to build a credible and globally competitive arbitration community in Pakistan.
Representing the participants, Mahfooz Ahmed Bhatti, Additional Secretary, described the training as a transformative learning experience. He said it had deepened participants understanding of international arbitration and strengthened his confidence in applying ADR mechanisms in professional practice.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the trainers, followed by the distribution of certificates to the participants, including parliamentarians, senior government officials, legal practitioners, academics, and professionals from diverse sectors.
With the successful completion of Module-I, IMAC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing arbitration and mediation through internationally accredited training, professional accreditation, institutional capacity building, legislative reforms, and strategic international partnerships. These efforts reflect Pakistan's commitment to becoming a credible regional hub for arbitration and commercial dispute resolution.
