Sectoral Modernization of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Pakistan: Comparative Models, Institutional Feasibility & Strategic Reforms

Pakistan Faces severe commercial litigation delays and structural backlogs, necessitating a shift towards specialized alternative dispute resolution systems. This study examines the institutional feasibility of adopting China’s specialized alternative dispute resolution models across key development sectors including labor, banking, engineering, maritime and foreign trade. China’s professional commercial mediation framework, governed by its landmark 2025 Regulations features highly expert led panels, tripartite structures, and a robust three pathway judicial enforcement mechanism. Pakistan can adapt these functional features by empowering its newly operational Trade Dispute Resolution Commission under the 2026 rules, establishing specialized banking panels, and reforming labor tribunals to bypass slow adversarial litigation. Ultimately enacting a unified commercial mediation law and launching a robust online dispute resolution platform regulated by an integrated Artificial Intelligence system that will modernize Pakistan’s regulatory landscape, resolve highly complex technical disputes and actively foster essential foreign direct investment.