Building Professional Mediation Capacity in Pakistan
The International Centre for Appropriate Dispute Resolution and Prevention successfully conducted its 40-Hour Signature Mediation Training – Islamabad Cohort in collaboration with the Federal Judicial Academy and the Weinstein International Foundation. Held from 12–16 February 2026, the program brought together judges, legal officers, regulators, and senior professionals from across Pakistan, reflecting a growing national commitment to structured mediation practice.
The training was led by an esteemed faculty, including James MacPherson, Sherif Elnegahy, Dr. Nudrat E. Piracha, and Muhammad Sohaib, combining international best practices with national expertise. The program reflects ICADRP’s vision to strengthen institutional capacity, promote a mediation culture, and equip professionals with practical, globally aligned dispute resolution skills.
The first three days of the training focused on building a strong foundation in mediation. Participants were introduced to the structured stages of mediation, including neutrality, confidentiality, ethics, and process management, followed by immediate engagement in practical roleplays. As the training progressed, participants developed advanced communication techniques, including interest-based negotiation, caucusing strategies, and managing complex party dynamics. Through increasingly sophisticated simulations and guided coaching, participants refined their procedural command, emotional intelligence, and settlement facilitation skills.
Day 4 of the program was marked by intensive, back-to-back practical simulations, where participants demonstrated significant growth in their mediation approach. The collaborative learning environment, combined with continuous feedback from trainers, allowed participants to sharpen their advocacy, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
The program concluded with a Grand Closing Ceremony, graced by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb as Chief Guest, Arbab Muhammad Tahir as Guest of Honour, and Hayat Ali Shah. Their presence added distinction and inspiration to the closing, marking a meaningful conclusion to the training.
ICADRP extends its sincere appreciation to its distinguished faculty and assessors, including Sherif Elnegahy, Dr. Nudrat E. Piracha, Saima Amin Khawaja, Azm Ali, Ikram Ullah, and Zafar Iqbal Kalanauri, as well as the Federal Judicial Academy for its professionalism and continued support.
This training represents more than the completion of a program—it marks the beginning of impactful journeys in mediation and dispute resolution, contributing to a stronger, more efficient, and accessible ADR ecosystem in Pakistan.