ISLAMABAD - PAKISTAN: In a landmark meeting that signals a new era of collaboration between the judiciary and the arbitration community in Pakistan, Mian Sheraz Javaid, Founding Chair of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Pakistan Branch, led a delegation to meet the Honorable Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer, Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court.

Held at the Federal Shariat Court in Islamabad, the meeting was more than a mere formality. It was a dialogue, a shared vision, and a commitment to strengthening the practice of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Pakistan.

Mian Sheraz Javaid opened the meeting with a comprehensive overview of Ciarb's mission and its global role in promoting arbitration and mediation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the judiciary and arbitration institutions, stating, "The future of arbitration in Pakistan depends on a strong partnership between the judiciary and arbitration bodies. Together, we can create a legal environment that supports and nurtures the growth of ADR."

Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer responded with an acknowledgment of the vital role of arbitration in the legal system. He expressed support for initiatives aimed at strengthening ADR in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of education and training. "Arbitration is not just an alternative; it's an essential part of our legal landscape. We must invest in education, training, and capacity building to ensure that arbitration thrives in Pakistan," he said.

The meeting was marked by in-depth discussions on several critical issues:

• Legislative Reforms: Both parties recognized the need for legislative reforms to align Pakistan's arbitration laws with international conventions. Sheraz highlighted the importance of modernizing existing laws and introducing new regulations. He said, "Our legal framework must evolve to meet the demands of international arbitration. We must align our laws with global standards to foster growth and credibility."
• Judicial Support: The discussion on judicial support for arbitration included specialized training for judges, the establishment of dedicated arbitration courts, and measures to expedite enforcement. Justice Anwer emphasized, "Judicial support is not just about enforcement; it's about understanding, collaboration, and commitment to the principles of arbitration."
• Capacity Building: Strategies for capacity building were explored, including training programs, accreditation, and collaboration with educational institutions. Sheraz spoke passionately about the need to build a community of skilled arbitrators, stating, "Capacity building is the foundation of our future. We must invest in training, mentorship, and continuous learning to build a robust community of arbitrators."
• Public Awareness: The need to raise public awareness about the benefits of arbitration was also addressed. Justice Anwer stressed the importance of educating businesses and the public, saying, "Awareness is empowerment. We must reach out, educate, and empower our community to embrace arbitration."

The meeting between the Ciarb Pakistan Branch Committee and the Honorable Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer was not just a conversation; it was a commitment to a shared vision. It laid the groundwork for future collaboration, with both parties expressing a strong desire to work together to advance the field of dispute resolution in Pakistan. Furthermore, the Honorable Justices commended the mammoth task of the first of its kind training of a cohort of 50 members of the top notch legal fraternity in Islamabad by CIArb Pakistan branch, that too on globally accredited standards.

In the words of Mian Sheraz Javaid, "Today's meeting is a beginning, a step towards a future where arbitration is not just an option but a preferred choice. Together, we can shape the future of dispute resolution in Pakistan."