IFC Launches Alternative Dispute Resolution Project in Lahore

Lahore: IFC, private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has launched an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Project in Lahore. IFC had previously supported the setting up of Karachi Centre for Dispute Resolution (KCDR), which is Pakistan’s first mediation centre, in 2006/07.

The ADR Project in Lahore will introduce commercial mediation to litigants and disputants in Lahore and will serve as a pilot for Punjab province. Overall goal of the Project is to reduce time and cost of dispute settlement and reduce backlogging of cases in courts. In this regard, IFC has signed a Cooperation Agreement with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) yesterday. IFC through its ADR Project in Lahore will build the capacity of LCCI in setting up a mediation centre and provision of mediation services. IFC will also train professional mediators and master trainers through foreign training provider. Awareness raising in ADR and mediation will take place for lawyers, private sector and other stakeholders.

The Project has held its first activity, the mediation law consultation workshop for Section 89-A of Civil Procedure Code 1908, in Lahore which was attended by government officials, legal profession, academia and other stakeholders.

The Project is planning to support judiciary in Lahore through capacity building of judges and facilitating judicial reforms in field of mediation.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. We help developing countries achieve sustainable growth by financing investment, providing advisory services to businesses and governments, and mobilizing capital in the international financial markets. In fiscal 2011, amid economic uncertainty across the globe, we helped our clients create jobs, strengthen environmental performance, and contribute to their local communities—all while driving our investments to an all-time high of nearly $19 billion. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

For more information, contact:
Rizwan Shah
Shamrock Communications (private) Limited
Tel: +9242 3586 1219
Cell: +92305 574 0715
Email: shamrocklhr@gmail.com