Alternative Dispute Resolution in Pakistan: An Implementation Perspective

  • Rameen Javed UMT
Keywords: arbitration, conflicts, litigations, mediation, panchayats

Abstract

Abstract Views: 0

This paper outlines the successful aspects of Alternative Dispute Resolution, the struggles it faces, and the efforts made toward its implementation. Through thematic content analysis, this study highlights the shortcomings of the judiciary system, including concerns regarding weak institutional practices and public behavior towards litigation. The research examines how the weak application process of Alternative Dispute Resolution and chronic proceedings in court cases have severely affected the justice system of Pakistan. Although some attempts have been made in favor of ADR in recent years, there is still a dire need to improve its implementation. The study also discusses local forms of ADR currently practiced in various regions of the country, particularly through which tribes and communities resolve their conflicts. Additionally, some organizations and multinational companies have successfully settled down disputes using ADR proceedings. The paper concludes with practical solutions and recommendations to enhance the use and effectiveness of ADR in the country.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abbasi, G. N. (2021, October 1). ADR mechanism. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1649473

Ali, M., & Geng, L. L. (2019). Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Pakistan: The role of lawyers in mediation procedure. International Journal of Research, 6(4), 421–430.

Asad, M. (2018, January 21). Over 1.8 million cases pending in Pakistan’s courts. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1384319

Bhatti, H. (2018, August 30). Jirga rulings on criminal cases 'against fundamental human rights': CJP. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1429899

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2012). Thematic analysis. In H. Cooper (Ed.), APA handbook of research methods in psychology: Research designs (pp. 57–71). American Psychological Association.

Chattha, H. S. (2019, February 21). Modern justice system and Pakistan. Daily Times. https://dailytimes.com.pk/356867/modern-justice-system-and-pakistan/

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. (2017). Annual reports. https://hrcp- web.org/hrcpweb/annual-reports/

Joffe, H. (2012). Thematic analysis. In D. Harper & A. R. Thompson (Eds.), Qualitative research methods in mental health and psychotherapy: A guide for students and practitioners (pp. 210–223). Wiley Online Library.

Malik, B. N. (2021, January 31). Dispute resolution. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1604631

Mnookin, R. H. (1998). Alternative dispute resolution. Harvard Law School. http://www.law.harvard.edu/programs/olin_center/papers/pdf/232.pdf

Senate of Pakistan. (2017). Senate secretariat services act, 2017. https://senate.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1497249886_554.pdf

Shah, W. A. (2021, May 24). Three different laws in vogue for alternate dispute resolution. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1625354

Siddiqah, A., & Mukhtar, M. (2019). Enactment and enforcement of protective legislation for women in Pakistan. Social Science Research Network. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4290011

United Nations Development Programme. (2013). The rule of law. https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/pk/DAP-Vol4-TheRuleofLaw.pdf

Weinstein International Foundation. (2022). Pakistan. https://weinsteininternational.org/pakistan/

Won, S. K. (2013). Overview of alternate dispute resolution with special reference to arbitration laws in Pakistan. Journal of Arbitration Studies, 23(1), 149–167.

Published
2025-05-23
How to Cite
Javed, R. (2025). Alternative Dispute Resolution in Pakistan: An Implementation Perspective. Law and Policy Review, 4(1), 69-84. Retrieved from https://journals.umt.edu.pk/index.php/lpr/article/view/5876
Section
Articles