Hong Kong: Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, addressed the Global Mediation Summit Annual Dinner today, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to mediation as a strategy for economic stability and international peace.

According to Press Information Department, the Minister lauded Hong Kong as a nexus of legal traditions and a model for peaceful dispute resolution. He detailed Pakistan’s advancements in alternative dispute resolution, including its endorsement of the Singapore Convention on Mediation and the IOMed Convention, the establishment of the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre, and the introduction of court-annexed mediation. Additionally, over 1,300 individuals in Pakistan have been trained in mediation and arbitration.

Highlighting a recent diplomatic success, the Minister disclosed Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran amid rising tensions, prioritizing peace over publicity. He stressed the importance of trust in mediation, stating, “Mediation works when the mediator is not a party and the parties trust the mediator.”

The Minister commended China for founding IOMed, the first intergovernmental organization for mediation, and acknowledged Hong Kong’s unique position under “One Country, Two Systems” in fostering a neutral mediation environment. He urged the international community to prioritize mediation, invest in IOMed, and recognize the value of resolving disputes amicably to prevent conflicts.

The summit further acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir in averting broader conflict. A Pakistani delegation, including key officials, participated in the summit, engaging in discussions to enhance cooperation in mediation.

On the sidelines, the Minister engaged with Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice and Professor Teresa Cheng, Secretary General of IOMed, to explore future collaborative efforts in promoting mediation. An invitation was extended to Professor Cheng to visit Pakistan, with both parties committing to joint training initiatives and subsequent summits.