Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan inaugurated its first Court-Annexed Mediation Centre today, aiming to enhance access to justice by providing a more efficient and consensual dispute resolution process. This initiative represents a significant shift towards improving the justice system through affordable and timely resolutions.

According to Press Information Department, the Centre has been established in partnership with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This collaboration seeks to offer litigants an alternative to conventional litigation, granting them a structured and court-supported forum for mediation in suitable cases. The new Centre aims to facilitate dispute resolution while allowing the involved parties to control the outcomes.

The inauguration was attended by key figures, including the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Supreme Court judges, members of the Supreme Court ADR Committee, and representatives from the European Union and UNDP. Additionally, members of the Bar, accredited mediators, and officers of the Supreme Court were present for the unveiling of the inauguration plaque by the Supreme Court ADR Committee, led by Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed.

Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of incorporating mediation within the justice system, describing it as a pivotal step in expanding the methods available for dispute resolution. Representatives from the European Union and UNDP endorsed the Centre’s establishment, highlighting its role in alleviating court burdens and promoting efficient dispute resolutions.

Justice Shahid Waheed, chairing the Supreme Court ADR Committee, reiterated the potential of mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in providing effective remedies for litigants. He stressed the importance of reducing unnecessary litigation and preserving judicial resources for cases necessitating formal adjudication.

The Centre’s launch includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Legal Aid Society, ensuring technical support and capacity building for its sustainable operation. This development aligns with the Supreme Court’s broader reform agenda focused on enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the judicial system for the public.