{
  "id": 1846355,
  "title": "Speedy justice: SC opens ‘court-annexed mediation centre’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/speedy-justice-sc-opens-court-annexed-mediation-centre",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T02:00:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435507/speedy-justice-sc-opens-court-annexed-mediation-centre"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, Pakistan's Supreme Court inaugurated its inaugural Court-Annexed Mediation Centre, a bold move to enhance access to justice through swift, affordable, and consensual dispute resolution. This initiative, spearheaded by a partnership with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), provides litigants with a court-supported mediation space for appropriate cases. This alternative to traditional litigation allows parties to resolve disputes more swiftly while maintaining control over the outcome.\n\nThe inauguration ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials including the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Supreme Court judges, and representatives from key organizations, underscored the Centre's significance. The plaque unveiling was conducted by the Supreme Court ADR Committee, chaired by Justice Shahid Waheed, with members Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb. The event also saw the presence of the EU Ambassador and UNDP-Pakistan Officer-in-Charge.\n\nJustice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb emphasized the establishment of a comprehensive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ecosystem within the justice system, viewing mediation as a crucial step towards broadening resolution avenues for litigants. The EU Ambassador and UNDP representative echoed this sentiment, reaffirming their organizations' commitment to justice sector reforms, with a particular focus on mediation's role in promoting access to justice, reducing court congestion, and facilitating timely, mutually acceptable dispute resolutions.\n\nJustice Shahid Waheed highlighted mediation's potential to alleviate unnecessary litigation, expedite dispute resolution, and preserve party relationships, thereby allowing judicial resources to concentrate on matters requiring formal adjudication. The Centre's establishment is part of the Supreme Court's larger reform agenda, aiming to deliver justice more swiftly, affordably, and accessibly, signaling a shift towards a more efficient and people-centric judicial system.",
  "summary": "ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan 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…",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakistan's Supreme Court opened a Court-Annexed Mediation Centre.",
    "Initiative led by EU and UNDP to enhance access to justice.",
    "Centre aims to resolve disputes swiftly and consensually."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Supreme Court's launch of the Court-Annexed Mediation Centre marks a shift towards a more efficient and people-centric judicial system, offering swift, affordable dispute resolution as an alternative to traditional litigation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}