BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Pakistan Branch, in collaboration with No5 Barristers’ Chambers and MK Consultus LLP, co-organized a conference on ‘Pakistan as an Emerging Market for International Arbitration after the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).’ The conference was held at No5 Barristers’ Chambers in Birmingham and attended by judges, lawyers, and other members of the legal fraternity from Pakistan and the UK.

The event discussed the particular benefits of CPEC expected to accrue domestically and internationally. The corridor program, if carried out effectively, would help attaining a favorable result of corresponding inclusive development with commercial and societal development, and to maximize the far reaching benefits from CPEC.

CPEC is a mega initiative with a growing investment outlay projected to be over US$100 billion, encompassing the development of Gwadar (Port and City), Energy projects (Coal, Hydel, Wind, Solar, LNG, Transmission Lines), Transport Infrastructure projects (Road, Railways, Aviation), and Investment & Industrial Cooperation (Gwadar Free Trade Zone, other Special Economic Zones, and industrial parks). The attendees reviewed several options of dispute resolution mechanisms available for CPEC and similar mega infrastructure projects. 

The speakers at the conference included the Honorable Judge Supreme Court Honorable Mr. Justice Jawad Hassan, Honorable Judge Lahore High Court Honorable Mr. Justice Shahid Jamil Khan, Mr. Mohammed Zaman QC, Mian Sheraz Javaid, Mr. Syed Mustafa Mahdi, Mr. Hammad Gillani Nauseen Ahmed, Mr. Wasif Majeed, Mr. Faisal Khan, Mr. Nasir Khan MBE, Mr. Syed Asid Ali Burney, and Ms. Fatima Malik.

The speakers highlighted that the dispute resolution clauses in the free trade agreement (FTA) and bilateral investment treaties (BIT) between China and Pakistan and the system of resolving disputes by CPEC clauses present an opportunity for international arbitration practitioners to get involved.

Mian Sheraz Javaid, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Pakistan Branch, discussed how CPEC may ripen Pakistan’s market for international arbitration and foreign opportunities for investment. He emphasized the benefits of Economic Zones like CPEC in paving the way for dispute resolution domestically and internationally. He stated that the corridor program, when carried out effectively, would help in attaining a favorable result of corresponding inclusive development with commercial and societal coherence, and to maximize the far-reaching benefits from CPEC.

Overall, the conference provided s platform for dialogue and collaboration, fostering a shared understanding of the complexities and nuances of international arbitration. Key insights included:

• The Role of Judiciary: The need for an independent and competent judiciary to support and enforce arbitration agreements and awards.

• Legislative Reforms: The importance of aligning Pakistan's arbitration laws with international conventions and best practices.

• Capacity Building: The necessity for training and accreditation of arbitrators to ensure quality and credibility.

This gathering marked a significant step towards positioning Pakistan as an attractive destination for international arbitration. It emphasized the country's commitment to adhering to global standards and fostering a conducive environment for dispute resolution.

As Pakistan continues to navigate the complexities of international trade and investment, conferences like this one play a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape and building confidence among investors. The event concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration, education, and reform, laying the groundwork for a new era of arbitration in Pakistan.'

The event concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration, education, and reform, laying the groundwork for a new era of arbitration in Pakistan. It showcased the potential of Pakistan's legal system to adapt to the evolving needs of international trade and investment, emphasizing the country's commitment to global standards and fostering a conducive environment for dispute resolution.