PEC ADR CENTRE INAUGURATION
On the 4th of September 2024, the Chartered Institure of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Pakistan Branch celebrated the inauguration of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) ADR Centre at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, which marked a monumental development for the construction and engineering sector in Pakistan. As the Chair of Ciarb Pakistan, this event was overseen by Mian Sheraz Javaid.
The launch of the PEC ADR marked a significant collaboration between the Pakistan Engineering Council and the Ciarb Pakistan Branch. As the chair of Ciarb Pakistan, Mian Sheraz Javaid’s contribution was twofold: he was part of a team that developed the necessary technical infrastructure and even created rules that will guide the effective referral and resolution of disputes within the ADR Centre. These rules are important in ensuring that the dispute resolution process is more transparent and efficient, ensuring that cases are resolved without unnecessary delays.
The launch event featured a panel discussion on “Re-engineering the Construction Sector in Pakistan,” which was moderated by Barrister Raheel Ahmed, the Legal Advisor to the Chairman. The panellists included notable speakers such as Mr. Najeeb Haroon, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council; Barrister Mian Sheraz Javaid, the Chair of Ciarb Pakistan; Honourable Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Honourable Mr. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, both judges of the Islamabad High Court and Honourable Mr. Justice Jawad Hassan, Judge of the Lahore High Court. The discussion delved into the challenges facing Pakistan’s construction sector and explored how the PEC ADR Centre could serve as a solution to many of these issues, particularly with regard to expediting dispute resolution.
The Honourable Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Aamer Farooq, delivered the keynote speech, during which he praised the initiative and emphasised the importance of modernising Pakistan’s dispute resolution framework. He highlighted the growing need for specialised mechanisms that can handle the complexities of construction disputes in a timely manner and reduce the burden on the judicial system. According to his address, he anticipates that the PEC ADR Centre will play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Pakistan’s construction sector.
The Honourable Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court, also delivered an inspiring keynote address that underscored the importance of the PEC ADR Centre and its role in improving the judicial infrastructure in Pakistan. Additionally, Honourable Justices Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Mr. Justice Jawad Hassan, both of the Islamabad High Court and Lahore High Court, respectively, were distinguished guests of the event. Their collective attendance reflected the commitment of the judiciary to supporting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in Pakistan. The establishment of the PEC ADR Centre is expected to alleviate the burden on the judicial system by diverting the large amount of construction and engineering disputes to the specialised centre, which will provide a more efficient and effective resolution process than the traditional court system.
The PEC ADR Centre is a testament to the PEC’s larger vision to streamline the dispute resolution process, integrate the ideal practices of international standards, and place the interests of the projects at the forefront. They aim to create an alternative pathway that decreases delays, minimises financial risks, and promotes timely and fair resolutions for all parties involved. It is very important to address disputes promptly to avoid unnecessary disruptions because construction projects are often time-sensitive and involve significant financial investments. Through this ADR Centre, the PEC is setting new standards for how such disputes should be handled and prioritising speed, expertise, and fairness.
By collaborating with PEC, the Ciarb Pakistan Branch is resolute in cultivating a pool of qualified experts, particularly those with engineering backgrounds, to function as dispute resolvers within the Centre. As a former civil engineer, Barrister Mian Sheraz Javaid values does not underestimate the value of specialised knowledge with regards to the complexities of construction and engineering disputes. Thus, through Ciarb’s training and certification programs, the Chair is determined to produce professionals who not only possess technical knowledge but also have the legal expertise required to facilitate fair and just arbitration. Ultimately, Ciarb aims to certify these professionals as Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and ensure that they are equipped to manage the challenges of resolving disputes in the construction sector.
Such a step towards fostering a culture of excellence within the engineering and construction communities of Pakistan and will encourage ethical practices and professionalism, raising standards across both sectors. The Centre will also provide a forum for engineers, lawyers, and other professionals to collaborate in a productive, solution-orientated environment. This collaboration is essential for building a strong and sustainable construction industry that can meet the demands of Pakistan’s growing infrastructure needs.
Thus, the inauguration of the PEC ADR Centre is a historic moment for Pakistan’s construction and engineering sectors, as it marks a new era in the way disputes will be efficiently, expertly and fairly resolved. The partnership between the Pakistan Engineering Council and Ciarb Pakistan Branch has made this vision a reality and will eventually shape the future of dispute resolution in Pakistan.
