Peshawar, February 4, 2025 – On the directives of the Federal Minister for Law and Justice, the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC), Ministry of Law and Justice, successfully conducted a two-day training on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with a focus on Mediation at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy, Peshawar. Held on February 3-4, 2025, the training brought together legal professionals, and ADR experts to enhance their understanding and practical skills in Mediation.
Led by renowned trainers, including Ms. Sarah Tarar, Director ICDRL and CEO ADR ODR International Pakistan and Barrister Qasim Wudud, Advocate Supreme Court and Accredited Mediator, the sessions covered key topics such as mediation laws, conflict resolution theories, and the role of mediators. Participants engaged in interactive discussions and hands-on role-playing exercises to strengthen their mediation expertise.
Mr. Rashid Javed Rana Additional Registrar IMAC emphasized that the insights gained will empower young lawyers to promote ADR, easing the judicial burden and fostering a stable, investment-friendly environment. The Director General of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy highlighted the significance of mediation, likening it to the traditional Pashtoon Jirga system, and expressed the academy’s willingness to host future training programs.
The Honorable Mr. S.M. Ateeq Shah, Justice of the Peshawar High Court, graced the concluding ceremony as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), pointing out that it has been an inherent framework for conflict resolution since ancient times. He referred the mediation conducted by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) between the elders of Makkah as a historical example. He further stated that Pakistan has successfully resolved two international disputes through mediation: the acquisition of Gwadar from Oman and the Indus Water Treaty through the World Bank. Additionally, he emphasized that ADR is deeply embedded in the Pashtoon Jirga culture. FATA's recent merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a significant example of conflict resolution through dialogue and consensus-building. He encouraged young lawyers to embrace and promote the ADR framework for the betterment of society.
Encouraged by the program’s success, IMAC, Ministry of Law and Justice plans to continue organizing similar training and capacity-building sessions across Pakistan, promoting ADR as an effective and efficient alternative to traditional litigation.