LAHORE: The Punjab government is moving to introduce an alternative dispute resolution system aimed at reducing the burden on courts and providing faster justice, with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Ordinance 2026 referred to the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs, ARY News reported.
The governor of Punjab approved the ordinance on October 6. The proposed legislation will proceed towards becoming law after the standing committee submits its report and the bill is passed by the provincial assembly.
Under the proposed framework, disputes could be settled through mediation and mutual negotiations instead of lengthy court proceedings. Cases already pending before courts may also be referred to the new authority with the consent of the parties involved.
According to the ordinance, the court will issue a final decision and decree once a dispute has been resolved through the authority.
Dispute resolution services will be provided by a judge nominated by the Lahore High Court or an approved mediator. In cases involving women, preference will be given to a female mediator.
Overseas Pakistanis will be able to participate in proceedings through video links and other modern communication methods.
The proposed authority will oversee the alternative dispute resolution system, approve relevant institutions and provide the Lahore High Court registrar with lists of approved mediators and dispute resolution centres.
The framework will cover family disputes, child guardianship and custody cases, enforcement of commercial agreements, specific performance claims, compensation, recovery of movable property or its value, partition of jointly owned immovable property, accounts and inheritance rights.
Declaration, succession, professional negligence and consumer disputes will also fall within its scope.
Under the proposed procedure, courts will give parties an opportunity to select an approved mediator or dispute resolution centre by mutual agreement. If they fail to reach an agreement, the court may make the selection from the approved list.
Parties will be permitted to participate personally, through representatives or through their lawyers. Fees and other expenses will be shared by mutual agreement, while discussions and proceedings conducted through the alternative dispute resolution process will remain confidential.