KARACHl: Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, the senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court, on Wednesday discussed upcoming legislative reforms set to reshape the country`s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) landscape.

He highlighted the introduction of a new arbitration law, which will replace the outdated 1940 legislation, aiming to minimise court interference and create a more efficient dispute resolution framework.

He was speaking at a seminar on ADR at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi on Wednesday.

Titled `The Way Forward for the ADR Movement in Pakistan`, the event was organised by the ADR International Center at IBA, in collaboration with the Malaysian International Mediation Centre (MIMC), according to a press release issued by the IBA.

Justice Shah also commended IBA`s efforts in ADR training, recognising its role in promoting ADR education.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Jawad Hasan of the Lahore High Court highlighted Pakistan`s recent progress in institutionalising ADR, particularly in state-owned enterprises.

He highlighted a significant legal development where Section 134 was amended to mandate mediation for stateowned enterprises, eliminating the option for appeals.

This marked a groundbreaking shift in Pakistan`s legal landscape, positioning the country ahead of many Western nations, including the UK and US, where ADR remains voluntary, and consent-based.

IBA`s Executive Director Dr S. Akbar Zaidi welcomed Justice Shah and Justice Hasan.

He acknowledged Justice Shah`s transformative influence on his perspective regarding ADR, recognising him as a strong advocate and a pioneer in ADR and climate justice.