A Keynote Address on “Alternate Dispute Resolution” was delivered by Justice (R) Anwar-ul-Haq at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Lahore for participants of the 45th MCMC. The speaker highlighted the overwhelming backlog of cases, shortage of judges, prison overcrowding, and low conviction rates, stressing that the formal judicial system is under severe strain. He noted that easy access to courts and low filing costs have further contributed to excessive litigation.

The speaker explained the structural limitations of Pakistan’s inherited Common Law system and contrasted it with Civil Law practices. He traced the evolution of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Pakistan, emphasizing that although ADR has cultural roots in Jirgas and Panchayats, modern legal frameworks such as the ADR Acts of 2017 and 2019 require effective implementation. He stressed that ADR can restore public trust by providing faster, cost-effective, and socially harmonious dispute resolution.

Justice (R) Anwar-ul-Haq emphasized that ADR must be integrated into governance through training of police, civil servants, and use of technology. He clarified that ADR applies only to non-heinous civil disputes and does not bar access to courts. The keynote address was followed by a regulated question-and-answer session, after which the session concluded with a standing ovation for the guest speaker.