Islamabad: The Ministry of Law and Justice, through the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC), convened a seminar titled “The Prophetic Art of Peacemaking: Negotiation, Mediation and Sulh in Islam for the Modern World” at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad. The event gathered members of the judiciary, legal experts, religious scholars, alternative dispute resolution practitioners, and academics to discuss the Islamic principles of Sulh and their applicability in contemporary conflict resolution.
According to Press Information Department, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, addressed the seminar as the Chief Guest, emphasizing that Islam advocates for dialogue and mediation as effective means of resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary. He urged religious scholars to influence the younger generation and foster a culture of Sulh. The Minister highlighted the need for a national collaborative effort, involving various sectors such as the judiciary, legal professionals, academia, and civil society, to strengthen Pakistan’s mediation framework.
The Government, he revealed, is proposing reforms to bolster the Alternative Dispute Resolution system, including mandatory mediation for particular dispute categories. He praised Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and other state leaders for their roles in mitigating tensions during the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, underscoring the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes globally. Malik also commended the media for supporting ADR initiatives and acknowledged IMAC’s efforts in promoting mediation in Pakistan.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer, Acting Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan, discussed the constitutional alignment with Islamic tenets of justice and reconciliation. He encouraged religious and community leaders to advocate for reconciliation at the grassroots level. Federal Secretary for Law and Justice Raja Naeem Akbar also highlighted Islam’s emphasis on reconciliation and the alignment of modern mediation principles with Islamic teachings.
The seminar included technical sessions featuring experts like Mr. Nasir Khan and Maulana Ibrahim Hussain, who explored the Prophetic model and other related topics. The event concluded with remarks from Ms. Aisha Rasool, Project Director of IMAC, who expressed optimism about future collaborations in promoting peaceful dispute resolution in Pakistan. Participants appreciated the seminar’s theme, recognizing its relevance and expressing hope for continued efforts by IMAC to advance the culture of Sulh and strengthen the country’s ADR framework.