Engaging Dialogue on ADR and Access to Justice with Honourable Justice Jawad Hassan
On Monday, December 2nd, the Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS) had the distinct honor of being hosted by Honourable Justice Jawad Hassan at his residence for an enriching and thought-provoking conversation on the critical intersection of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Access to Justice. This meeting was a key moment in the ongoing dialogue around enhancing the legal framework in Pakistan, particularly in the context of ADR’s potential to address systemic issues in the justice system.
Representing CCLS, Research Associate Usama Bin Zafar and Centre Lead Miss Minahil Toor were privileged to engage with His Lordship on this important subject, exploring how ADR mechanisms can significantly contribute to resolving disputes in a more timely, efficient, and inclusive manner. The meeting also included a discussion of CCLS's ongoing research project, focusing on ADR frameworks for disputes related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a project aimed at fostering smoother and more effective legal channels for cross-border commercial and infrastructure conflicts.
During the discussion, His Lordship shared his invaluable expertise on the evolving ADR jurisprudence in Pakistan. He emphasized the urgent need to cultivate a more pro-arbitration and pro-mediation bias within the legal system to overcome the backlog and delays that currently plague traditional litigation processes. His Lordship further highlighted the pivotal role of ADR in improving the accessibility of justice, particularly for marginalized groups who often find themselves excluded from lengthy and costly legal procedures.
The conversation also underscored the transformative potential of ADR in Pakistan’s legal system, particularly in the context of large-scale projects like CPEC, where cross-border legal frameworks can benefit significantly from more effective and accessible dispute resolution processes. His Lordship’s insights and encouragement reinforced the crucial role of institutions like CCLS in driving forward the ADR discourse, particularly in relation to Pakistan-China partnerships.
CCLS deeply appreciates His Lordship’s generous praise and guidance. His profound insights into ADR's potential to revolutionize the justice system were both inspiring and motivational for the team. This meeting not only deepened our understanding of the current legal landscape but also bolstered our commitment to ensuring ADR frameworks contribute meaningfully to improving access to justice for all.
We remain grateful for the support and vision that Honourable Justice Jawad Hassan has shown, and we look forward to future collaborations in advancing these important initiatives.