Islamabad: The Pakistani government is set to expand Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms nationwide, as part of a broader strategy to modernize the judicial system and reduce frivolous litigation, according to Federal Minister for Law & Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar. The announcement was made during a five-day training program on mediation at the International Mediation & Arbitration Centre in Islamabad.

According to Press Information Department, Senator Tarar emphasized the need to transform the litigation culture, which he argued has overburdened the judicial system and delayed justice delivery. The initiative aims to incorporate ADR and mediation mechanisms across the country in collaboration with the Law & Justice Commission, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, High Courts, and provincial governments.

The Law Minister highlighted ongoing legislative efforts and the necessity of judicial reforms to streamline both civil and criminal legal processes. He noted that training programs have been organized not just for legal professionals but also for government officials and civil society representatives, integrating Shariah principles and the Islamic concept of reconciliation alongside civil law.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the Supreme Court of Pakistan echoed these sentiments, advocating for increased use of mediation to resolve disputes. He noted that court-annexed mediation centers are being enhanced to provide timely and cost-effective solutions, supported by trained officers of the Supreme Court.

Dr. Umar A. Oseni, Secretary General of the OIC Arbitration Centre, praised the integration of civil, financial, and Shariah-compliant mediation principles into a comprehensive training framework. He noted that the model has attracted international interest and could be replicated in other countries.

Ms. Aisha Rasool of the Ministry of Law & Justice expressed hope that the training of Ulema in mediation would foster reconciliation and peaceful dispute resolution in their communities, with potential for broader application in other Muslim countries.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and souvenirs to participants, marking a significant step towards national and international collaboration in mediation and arbitration.