The Alternative Dispute Resolution International Center (ADRIC) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), in collaboration with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), U.S. Department of Commerce, successfully hosted a seminar titled ‘Pakistan’s ADR Renaissance’ on August 16, 2024. The event, held at IBA’s City Campus, brought together distinguished legal minds and international mediation experts to discuss the future of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Pakistan, with a particular focus on mediation.
The seminar opened with a welcome address by Kamran Bilgrami, Director of IBA-CEE and SIMI Accredited Mediator, who introduced IBA-ADRIC’s initiatives and set the tone for an engaging session. Notable keynote speakers included Hon’ble Senior Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Syed Mansoor Ali Shah Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Muhammad Shafi Siddique; Justice of the Lahore High Court, Jawad Hassan; and the Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb.
The event featured discussions on the mediation landscape in Singapore and its potential lessons for Pakistan. Attorney Advisors from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Eric Ives and Raquel Martinez, shared insights into the U.S. government’s support for Pakistan’s ADR movement. Legal Counsel of the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), Sidharth Jha, offered further perspectives on international mediation practices.
Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA, highlighted the advancements made by IBA in promoting ADR within Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
The seminar also hosted a panel discussion on ‘Bridging Borders: Enhancing International and Regional Connectivity for Economic Growth and Stability.’ Moderated by Syed Sohail and Assistant Professor of Law Ms. Mehreen Nazar, the panel featured legal experts from South and Central Asia. Topics ranged from the challenges of mediation to the role of technology in strengthening regional connectivity. The seminar marked a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s ADR framework and promoting mediation as an essential tool for dispute resolution across the country.
