ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN - A landmark meeting took place as a delegation from the Institute of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) visited the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Pakistan Branch Office. The visit signifies a step towards collaboration and mutual growth between the two organizations. The delegation from IEP was greeted at the CIArb office by Mian Sheraz and his team. The visit was marked by a series of discussions, focusing on the core functions and operations of both organizations.

Mian Sheraz provided an in-depth explanation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a vital process that offers a less adversarial approach to resolving disputes. He detailed how ADR includes methods like mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, which are gaining traction in Pakistan. The delegation was briefed on the current state of ADR in Pakistan, including the challenges faced by the judiciary like backlog of cases and the lack of local pool of experts. He also shed light on the opportunities for key stakeholders in Pakistan, like the upcoming opportunities from the impacts of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the overall betterment of the legal landscape with the incorporation of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the legal system. The conversation was essential, as it highlighted the need for ADR in a country where traditional litigation can be both time-consuming and costly - acting like a ticking time bomb in the upcoming future.

CIArb Pakistan's team went on to describe their specific functions and operations to the IEP. With branches in over 130 countries, CIArb is part of a global network promoting international standards in arbitration. The discussion covered various areas, like the comprehensive education and training programs in arbitration, mediation, and other ADR methods provided by CIArb. These programs are tailored for legal professionals, arbitrators, and business leaders. They provide various levels of membership, including Associate, Member, and Fellow, each with specific qualifications and benefits. Alongside these, Ciarb also acts as an appointing authority, facilitating the appointment of arbitrators, mediators, and experts in disputes. The discussion also detailed the specialized training CIArb could provide to IEP's engineers and members, focusing on energy and construction disputes. This includes workshops, seminars, and certification courses designed to enhance professional competence.

IEP's delegation also provided a comprehensive overview of their organization. IEP is committed to promoting and advancing the engineering profession in Pakistan, adhering to international standards. They offer educational programs, research initiatives, and technical publications to support the engineering community. They actively collaborates with industry stakeholders, government bodies, and educational institutions to align engineering practices with national development goals. With a specialized focus on energy and construction, IEP plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices in these sectors.

The meeting culminated in discussions about a potential collaboration between CIArb and IEP. The proposed arrangement would allow CIArb to officially train IEP's engineers and members, fostering a synergy between the fields of engineering and arbitration.

The visit by IEP to CIArb Pakistan Branch Office was more than a formal meeting; it was a convergence of ideas, expertise, and vision. The detailed insights into the functions and operations of both CIArb and IEP have laid the foundation for a partnership that promises to enrich both the engineering and arbitration landscapes in Pakistan.