By: Shehneela Mazhar
In the domain of legal progress, the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) led by Dr. Nudrat Piracha took shape as a significant initiative. Commencing on August 8, 2023 a 6-day accredited training emerged as a pivotal platform, drawing 21 eager participants. This training, a vital facet of the larger initiative, aimed to cultivate Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) expertise within Pakistan. The ultimate goal was to alleviate the burden on courts while firmly establishing ADR as a complementary component to the prevailing justice system. Orchestrated by the International Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution and Prevention (ICADRP), the project garnered support from formidable partners including the International Law Institute, the Weinstein International Foundation, and the U.S. Embassy. Collaborating closely with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), this initiative bore testament to international collaboration.
The inauguration of the training was graced by the presence of Mr. Kelly Ryan, Public Diplomacy Officer, stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. He welcomed the assembled attendees to the inaugural session. Distinguished personalities, including Judge Charles N. Brower, Patron in Chief of ICADRP, and international partners lent their voices to impassioned discussions. The overarching theme centered on the indispensability of institutionalized ADR within Pakistan’s legal landscape and the transformative potential it held.
Steering the course of the training was the Chief Executive Officer of ICADRP, Dr. Nudrat E. Piracha. In an insightful overview, she illuminated the intricate ADR Ecosystem and charted a course for Pakistan’s evolution in this domain. The convergence of perspectives was palpable, bolstered by contributions from global voices such as Robert Sargin, Deputy Director at the International Law Institute (ILI), James MacPherson, and Gary Birnberg—both prominent arbitrators and mediators. Among these luminaries, Rozana ALTayyar and Mr. Zachary R. Calo further enriched the discourse with their expertise.
Dr. Shoaib Suddle, an eminent authority on criminal justice reform within South Asia, lent his voice to the proceedings. Articulating the necessity of ADR and capacity building, he underscored their pivotal roles in sustaining the existing criminal justice system. His insights resonated deeply, sparking contemplation and dialogue among the participants.
A cornerstone of the training lay in the focus on civil and commercial mediation. Ms. Sarah Tarar, a seasoned practitioner from ADR ODR International, adeptly navigated this subject, elucidating its nuances and relevance. The comprehensive approach adopted by the training aimed to equip attendees with valuable skills and insights.
Culminating the day was the presence of Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan, a dignified representative from the Islamabad High Court. He lauded the vision and efforts of ICADRP, acknowledging the resonance between their work and the project’s objectives. Reflecting on the effectiveness of mediation in Pakistan, he engaged in an insightful exchange of ideas, further enriching the gathering.
An essential outcome of this training was the creation of accredited mediators. Those who successfully cleared the assessment would seek recognition from the Ministry of Law and Justice Pakistan. This official acknowledgment would empower them to undertake court-referred mediations, thus cementing ADR’s role in the nation’s legal landscape.
