The International Mediation & Arbitration Centre (IMAC), established by the Ministry of Law & Justice in collaboration with ADR-ODR International, successfully concluded its six-day internationally accredited Civil and Commercial Mediation Training Programme at COMSTECH, Islamabad. Held from 16th to 21st September, the programme trained judges of the High Courts, lawyers, government officers, academicians, and business professionals from across Pakistan.

The dignified closing ceremony was attended by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; the Federal Minister for Law & Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar; and H.E. Choining Dorji, Director General SAARC Arbitration Council. The training was led by internationally renowned experts Mr. Rahim Shamji, Ms. Sarah Tarar, and Dr. Khalid Hamid Chowdhury.

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Shahid Waheed, Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan, as Chief Guest, underscored mediation as a vital tool to reduce case backlogs, strengthen access to justice, and foster harmony. He outlined Pakistan's policy direction on ADR, including the preparation of a Model Law, establishment of court-annexed mediation centres, awareness campaigns, and the "Medifare" vision to nurture a culture of dialogue. Justice Waheed also appreciated the contributions of IMAC's Project Director, Ms. Aisha Rasool.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of maintaining professional standards and credibility for mediators. He noted that mediation is not a threat to litigation but rather its partner and ally. He underscored the need to embed mediation within the judicial system through updated rules and laws.

The Federal Minister for Law & Justice highlighted the urgency of adopting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), noting the backlog of 2.4 million cases in Pakistan's courts. In contrast, ADR provides resolution in an average of just 75 days. He further noted Pakistan's recent signing of the Singapore Convention on Mediation.