SC inaugurates first court-annexed mediation centre
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday inaugurated its first court-annexed mediation centre, marking a significant step towards strengthening access to justice through the timely, affordable and consensual resolution of disputes. The centre has been established in collaboration with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide litigants with a structured,…
The Supreme Court inaugurated its first court-annexed mediation centre in Islamabad on Tuesday, a significant step towards improving access to justice through swift, affordable, and consensual dispute resolution. Collaborating with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the centre offers litigants a structured, court-supported forum for mediation in suitable cases.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, Supreme Court judges, members of the ADR Committee, UNDP representatives, and other officials, marked the centre's establishment. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, along with Justice Mohammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, unveiled the inauguration plaque.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of a comprehensive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ecosystem within the justice system, highlighting that the institutionalization of mediation expands resolution avenues for litigants. The EU and UNDP pledged their continued support for justice sector reforms, praising the centre as a crucial institutional development.
The centre aims to reduce court congestion, expedite dispute resolution, preserve party relationships, and allow judicial resources to focus on cases requiring formal adjudication. The Supreme Court and Legal Aid Society signed an MoU for the centre's sustainable operation, aligning with the court's broader citizen-centric reform agenda to deliver timely, affordable, accessible, and responsive justice.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
