Karachi Hosts Panel on “Beyond the Gavel” to Promote ADR for Commercial Disputes

The event attracted legal professionals, business

leaders from family-owned firms, SMEs, large

corporations, and prominent law firms

Business Reporter

Karachi: The Musaliha International Center for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (MICADR) and the Legal Aid Society (LAS) hosted a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Gavel: Charting a New Path in Dispute Resolution” on January 9, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel Karachi. The event brought together legal professionals and business leaders from various sectors to explore the potential of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in commercial disputes.

Key Discussion Points

The panel focused on the inefficiencies and high costs of traditional litigation. It also discussed how ADR methods like mediation and arbitration provide faster, cost-effective, and relationship-preserving alternatives. Barrister Haya Emaan Zahid, CEO of LAS and MICADR Board Member, stressed the urgent need for ADR reforms in Pakistan. She emphasized that a robust mediation ecosystem is crucial for ensuring timely justice.

ADR’s Growing Importance in Karachi’s Commercial Sectors

Moderated by Sarha Rasheed, Co-Founder of MICADR, the discussion highlighted ADR’s growing importance in Karachi’s commercial sectors, including energy, telecom, IT, manufacturing, and banking. The panelists examined how ADR resolves conflicts quickly, builds trust, and prevents business disruptions.

Expert Panelists and Insights

Notable panelists included Haider Waheed (HWP Law), Arshad Tayebaly (Mohsin Tayebaly & Co.), Dr. Huma Baqai (MITE), Jahanzeb Awan (Haidermota & Co.), Alizeh Bashir (Kabraji & Talibuddin), Mayhar Kazi (RIAA Barker Gillette), Ali Almani (Fazle Ghani & Co.), and Farid Alam (AKD Securities). They addressed Pakistan’s judicial backlog of 2.6 million cases. They also discussed ADR’s role in large infrastructure projects and the need for regulatory reforms to mainstream mediation.

Global Frameworks and Pakistan’s Business-Friendly Future

The panel also touched on global frameworks like the Singapore Convention. ADR was recognized as vital for strengthening Pakistan’s business-friendly reputation. It was also seen as key to fostering economic growth, boosting investor confidence, and promoting commercial harmony. The panelists called for unified mediation legislation and international frameworks to make ADR more effective and institutionalized.

Closing Remarks

The event concluded with remarks from Justice Mr. Arif Hussain Khilji, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between businesses, legal professionals, and policymakers to integrate ADR into Pakistan’s legal system. The seminar underscored MICADR’s leadership in promoting ADR as a key driver of Pakistan’s commercial and legal development.