The Counsel

“Mediation Advocacy” Training in Karachi

International Finance Corporation (IFC), private sector arm of the World Bank Group, is taking lead in private sector development in Pakistan. Under the auspices of IFC Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Project, on May 2, 2011 it organized training for lawyers in Karachi where the Honourable Chief Justice of Sindh High Court, Mr. Justice Mushir Alam was the Chief Guest. The legal profession was represented by Mr. Anwar Mansoor Khan, President, Sindh High Court Bar Association, Mr. Muhammad Aqeel, President, Karachi Bar Association and Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Samoo, President, Malir Bar Association.

The event was supported by Section of International Law, American Bar Association (ABA), Washington, D.C, USA and training was delivered by Mr. Glenn Paul Hendrix, Attorney-At-Law and Partner, Arnal Golden Gregory LLP, Immediate Past Chair, Section of International Law and Chair, ABA Task Force on International Trade in Legal Services.

Mrs. Navin Salim Merchant, Program Manager, ADR, IFC Advisory Services in Middle East and North Africa introduced IFC ADR Project to participants and achievements made under the ADR Project in Pakistan.

Mr. Hendrix provided information on ABA, its background, its organizational structure and role. He provided in depth information on mediation, the process, its benefits, its perception amongst the legal profession and its contribution in assisting parties and litigations resolve disputes amicably. It was emphasized that the mediation promotes professional growth of lawyers and their legal practices become popular due to provision of mediation services or their involvement in the mediation process.

Mr. Justice Mushir Alam, Honourable Chief Justice, Sindh High Court also highlighted ADR and mediation developments.

The session was well attended by over hundred lawyers and members of Judiciary also were present at the event. The event’s purpose was to create interest of lawyers in mediation process so that they consider themselves an important stakeholder in mediation proceedings and do not fear ADR in which lawyers assist their parties. With legal profession on board, mediation can flourish and resolution of disputes may take place at the earliest and parties will not suffer long waiting time due to slow movement of judicial proceedings.