Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) – Pakistan Branch

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) – Pakistan Branch

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) – Pakistan Branch

Mian Sheraz Javaid (MSJ) served as the Founding Chair of the Pakistan Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in building the branch from the ground up. His leadership combined organizational development with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, outreach, and sustainability. With an unwavering commitment to pro bono service, MSJ leveraged his passion for capacity building and trained approximately a thousand practitioners across Pakistan and beyond.

Establishing CIArb in Pakistan

With over 2.6 million cases pending in Pakistan’s courts and the growing significance of international infrastructure projects like the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), MSJ identified a critical need to develop a pool of local ADR experts. His vision for CIArb Pakistan was grounded in this urgency—to build a competent, internationally aligned ADR ecosystem capable of relieving pressure from the courts and equipping professionals for high-stakes disputes.

Driving Growth and Impact

Under MSJ’s leadership, CIArb Pakistan expanded rapidly—not only across the country but also into neighboring jurisdictions such as Nepal and Uzbekistan. He championed the CIArb brand in South Asia, advocating for the recognition of CIArb credentials within legal and construction sectors. Just within two years of its establishment, the Pakistan Branch became self-sustaining—a significant global milestone. This achievement was a result of MSJ’s innovative financial planning, volunteer mobilization, and focused training programs.

Building Capacity Across Borders

MSJ led numerous training sessions, seminars, and webinars—both in-person and online. These sessions covered CIArb’s Module 1 and Accelerated Route to Fellowship (ARF) programs, which are globally respected entry points into international arbitration. He personally trained hundreds of professionals in Pakistan, Nepal, and through virtual platforms worldwide. His mentorship of new Fellows ensured they had the support they needed to secure their first appointments—further building Pakistan’s visibility in the international ADR community.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Opportunity

MSJ’s leadership goes beyond training. He initiated the development of the Dispute Appointment Service, a critical institutional mechanism that will allow Pakistani arbitrators to receive both domestic and international appointments. This initiative, under the CIArb Pakistan Branch, is intended to position Pakistan as a serious and credible jurisdiction for commercial arbitration, particularly in the context of global economic corridors like the Belt and Road Initiative.

A Vision for the Future

MSJ continues to lead with purpose, driven by a vision of creating accessible, interoperable, and globally relevant legal ecosystems. His goal is to promote a culture of dispute prevention, fair resolution, and institutional accountability. As the arbitration landscape in South Asia matures, MSJ remains committed to mentoring the next generation of ADR professionals and reinforcing Pakistan’s role on the global ADR map.