Islamabad: The International Mediation & Arbitration Centre (IMAC) and the Ministry of Law and Justice have successfully concluded a six-day mediation training program in Islamabad, highlighting the role of mediators in alleviating the increasing burden on Pakistan’s courts and promoting alternative dispute resolution methods.

According to Press Information Department, the closing ceremony at COMSTECH was attended by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, who underscored the pressing need for strengthened mediation mechanisms in Pakistan. Justice Aurangzeb pointed out the substantial backlog of cases in the judicial system and advocated for mediation as an effective tool to reduce litigation pressures and ensure timely justice. He urged mediators to offer their services on a pro bono basis to enhance access to justice, while also recognizing the importance of fair compensation for professional mediators.

Raja Naeem Akbar, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) systems across the nation. He noted Pakistan’s progress in ADR reforms, citing milestones such as the signing of the Singapore Convention on Mediation and the establishment of IMAC.

Project Director Aisha Rasool emphasized that the program aligns with international standards and is part of IMAC’s strategy to cultivate a skilled cadre of mediators in Pakistan. She expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and highlighted the program’s role in promoting peace-building and dialogue.

The event was attended by a diverse group of participants, enhancing Pakistan’s evolving ADR ecosystem. The program concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants and a collective commitment to furthering mediation as an efficient dispute resolution method in Pakistan.