Karachi Centre for Dispute Resolution

Karachi Centre for Dispute Resolution (KCDR) is Pakistanˇ¦s first Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre. It was established in 2007 with the financial and technical assistance of International Finance Corporation (IFC)/World Bank Group and institutional support of Sindh High Court, Karachi, Pakistan.

KCDR has been promoting the ADR concept and its benefits among stakeholders ranging from litigants and disputants to private and government sector entities. KCDR has significance for domestic and foreign businesses, investors, companies, banks and other individuals and entities. The formal judicial system is currently overburdened with approximately 1.7 million cases pending in various courts of Pakistan. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, the highest judicial authority in the country, has issued a National Judicial Policy in June 2009 which places emphasis on use of ADR mechanisms for quick disposal of disputes.

Functions / Activities / Services

KCDR in a passage of 2 and a half years, through its own efforts and assistance of IFC, developed internal systems and procedures in order to fulfill its objectives of institutionalizing ADR. With IFC assistance, 49 mediators have been accredited through CEDR, U.K while 13 accredited mediators have become master trainers after receiving specialized training from CEDR, U.K. Apart from providing Mediation services; Arbitrators hold arbitration proceedings at KCDR which advances KCDRˇ¦s resolve to become seat for domestic, regional and international arbitrations. KCDR uses its training faculty for advancing knowledge and skills of ADR. This so far has been achieved for the corporate sector, judiciary and legal profession. This endeavour shall continue in order to create an educated environment among stakeholders on dispute settlement issues.

Objectives:

• To activate Alternative Dispute Resolution services in Pakistan;
• To institutionalize ADR systems to increase efficiency and reduce overwhelming case load in courts;
• To promote access to justice and avoid costly and time-consuming litigation; and
• To professionalize mediation by transferring skills and know-how to judges, lawyers and other groups thus promoting mediation practices.

KCDR Achievements:

Since inception, KCDR has successfully provided ADR services through mediations and trainings. 210 cases have been referred which illustrates KCDRˇ¦s visibility and approach to work with various entities on case referrals. KCDR has been holding trainings for different audiences that include corporate staff working in human resources and administrative fields, legal practitioners and members of judiciary. Seminars and presentations have been organized for Sindh Bar Council, Sindh High Court Bar Association, Karachi Bar Association and Malir Bar Association. Chambers of Commerce and Business and Trade Associations have been made aware of KCDR and its ADR services. Interaction with Ministry of Law, Government of Pakistan on mediation law reform has been a regular feature of KCDR activities.

Contact Details

Website

www.kcdr.org