A Focus Group Discussion on Benefits of Alternate Dispute Resolution through Mediation on the Financial Performance of the Corporate Sector took place in Karachi on June 8, at Sheraton Hotel. The discussion was organized by IFC Pakistan ADR Project and Karachi Centre for Dispute Resolution.

The discussion focused on highlighting the benefits of alternate routes to resolving disputes in particular mediation and how the corporate sector including banks, insurance companies and manufacturers could profit from it.

Mr. Isfandyar Ali Khan, IFC Project Officer ADR Program Pakistan & Afghanistan, stated that the main aim of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Program is to institutionalize court-referred/court-annexed mediation and other forms of ADR for more speedy and cost-effective commercial dispute resolution. He emphasised that with the enactment of an ADR enabling legislative framework and development of a professional cadre of ADR practitioners, the expected outcome of the Program is a substantial reduction in time and cost of dispute resolution resulting in an increase in the number of commercial cases that are backlogged in the courts being resolved through ADR/mediation.

Dr. Zafar Ahmad Khan Sherwani, Director Karachi Centre for Dispute Resolution (KCDR), appreciated IFC Pakistan’s role in institutionalizing ADR/Mediation in Karachi, the successful setting up of KCDR in 2007 and continuously providing advisory services. Various benefits such as inexpensive costs, speedy resolution time as well as a win-win solution were brought forward.

Justice (Retd) Saiduzzaman Siddiqi, President KCDR, stated that over 1500 cases have been resolved in over three years, which illustrates KCDR’s significance as a dispute resolution center. He also urged the Corporate sector to reduce litigation time and expense by utilising alternate dispute resolution through mediation.

Ms. Nausheen Ahmad, Company Secretary Habib Bank Limited and Master trainer KCDR facilitated the discussion, along with KCDR Master Trainers Faculty comprising Sohail Khoja and Neelofer Hameed.

The Session was attended by business leaders and corporate heads including Mr. Majyd Aziz, former President of KCCI, Mr. Andalib Alavi of Engro Corp, Mr Aamir Niazi of International Textile, Ms Arjumand Qazi of SME Leasing and leading business representatives.     

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