Islamabad, June 29, 2026 — The International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC), Ministry of Law and Justice, commenced five-day Internationally Accredited Training Programme on Arbitration (Module I) on 29 June 2026 at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services in Islamabad. The opening ceremony was graced by Hon'ble Raja Naeem Akbar (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), Federal Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, as the Chief Guest. The training programme marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's journey to strengthen its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ecosystem and establish itself as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction. The initiative aims to develop a cadre of highly skilled arbitrators capable of conducting both domestic and international arbitration proceedings in accordance with globally recognized standards.

In her welcome address, Ms. Aisha Rasool, Senior Consultant, Ministry of Law and Justice and Project Director IMAC, emphasized the transformative role of arbitration in strengthening access to justice and enhancing investor confidence. She expressed gratitude to the Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, for his leadership in advancing ADR reforms, and welcomed participants from Parliament, Federal Ministries, Provincial Governments, and the legal fraternity. Ms. Rasool stated that the training is another important step towards strengthening Pakistan's dispute resolution system in line with international best practices, adding that IMAC, established under the Ministry of Law and Justice, is Pakistan's flagship institution for mediation and arbitration, and through such programmes, the aim is to help position Pakistan as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction.

Dr. Nudrat Paracha, one of the trainers, addressed the participants and provided an introduction to the five-day training programme. She highlighted its critical role in Pakistan's financial well-being and its importance in inviting foreign investors. Dr. Paracha explained that the programme is designed to raise a group of first arbitrators from Pakistan who can confidently conduct domestic and international arbitrations, and that the training will provide the necessary skillset, code of conduct, and confidence to meet international standards. She also acknowledged the partnership with the International Law Institute (ILI) in Washington D.C., which has been training government officers, parliamentarians, and judges since 1955, and ICADRP, which is working towards the institutionalization of ADR in Pakistan with over fifty international organizations.

Hon'ble Raja Naeem Akbar, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, addressed the participants, highlighting the strategic importance of arbitration for Pakistan's economic well-being and its role in inviting foreign investment. The Secretary noted that this is the first accredited training on arbitration, following four previous accredited trainings conducted on mediation through IMAC, and that more than 229 intermediate mediators are currently active in Islamabad and other locations. He stated that efforts are underway to push provinces to replicate this ecosystem, referring to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act enacted in 2017, which became effective through the Ministry's consultations with the Islamabad High Court to create an effective institutional framework.

The five-day training programme features distinguished international trainers Mr. Carlos Davila and Dr. Nudrat Paracha from the International Centre for Appropriate Dispute Resolution and Prevention (ICADRP) and the International Law Institute (ILI), USA, along with Barrister Farrukh K. Qureshi and Mr. Ishtiaq Haider Sherazi. The first day of the training covered the foundational aspects of arbitration, including both domestic and international frameworks. The training is designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge, drawing on the expertise of partner organizations including the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), ICADRP, and the International Law Institute (ILI), USA.

IMAC continues to play a pivotal role in institutionalizing ADR in Pakistan through training, accreditation, institutional development, legislative support, and international partnerships. The programme underscores Pakistan's commitment to strengthening access to justice, enhancing investor confidence, and positioning the country as a credible hub for dispute resolution in the region. The training will continue over the next four days with comprehensive modules covering various aspects of arbitration, culminating in internationally recognized certifications for participants.