Pakistan's legal revolution: MICADR certifies 750 advocates in mediation advocacy
Pakistan
Sindh Acting Chief Justice Justice Irfan Sadaat Khan was chief guest at the event
(Dunya News) -The legal landscape in Pakistan is undergoing a monumental transformation, marked by the successful certification of over 750 advocates in Mediation Advocacy Skills Training (M-MAST) by the Musaliha International Center for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (MICADR).
This remarkable achievement was celebrated at a prestigious certificate distribution ceremony held at Sindh High Court (SHC) in Karachi, a testimony to the judiciary's commitment to advancing the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) ecosystem in Pakistan.
The certificate distribution ceremony was graced by a distinguished panel of judges from the SHC, including Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, Justice Zulfiqar Ahmed and Justice Adnan Chaudary, and retired judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and SHC namely Justice (r) Muhammad Athar Saeed and Justice Zafar Ahmed Sherwani respectively, and the President of Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) Anwar Mumtaz Kashif.
The chief guest for the event was Sindh Acting Chief Justice Justice Irfan Sadaat Khan. This gathering underscored the progressive outlook of the judiciary and its unwavering dedication to promoting alternative dispute-resolution methods within the legal community.
The M-MAST program, an initiative spearheaded by MICADR, empowers legal professionals with the essential skills needed to excel in mediation advocacy. Mediation advocates play a vital role in representing the interests of their clients during mediation proceedings. They leverage their legal expertise, combined with a deep understanding of behavioral science and psychology, to guide clients towards innovative and sustainable solutions.
Justice Irfan Saadat, while addressing the audience, emphasised the importance of mediation in reducing litigation.
He stated, "Most cases are solely about ego matters. If the lawyer community joins hands, and are able to persuade both parties to agree to the extent that 'this is your issue, and we can resolve it in this way (through mediation),' then I am confident that these 2.1 million figure will come down to 0.1 million."
Furthermore, Legal Aid Society Chief Legal Advisor and MICADR Managing Director Justice (Retd) Khilji Arif Hussain highlighted the society's work in providing free legal representation and raising awareness of legal rights.
He stated, "The Legal Aid Society has been working for the welfare of individuals indicted in minor offenses in courts for the past 15 years. These individuals did not have adequate legal representation or the means to obtain legal assistance. Over time, LAS has expanded its operations and is currently active in 8 districts of Sindh, as well as in Islamabad. We not only provide free legal representation but also work to raise awareness of legal rights. We are particularly focused on women's rights to inheritance and provide support to women who have been victims of sexual violence. We offer comprehensive assistance from the moment a case is brought to LAS until its resolution."
The Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCB), represented by President Saleem Mangrio and Honorary Secretary Aamir Nawaz Warraich expressed their appreciation for the cooperation extended by Justice (R) Arif Hussain Khilji in offering the M-MAST course to bar association members at a reduced cost.
They also commended Team MICADR for their efforts in organizing the training session.
The collaborative efforts of MICADR and the legal community in Pakistan have set the stage for a promising future in dispute resolution, where mediation advocacy will play a pivotal role in reducing the burden on the country's legal system.
