Punjab proposes alternative dispute resolution system to reduce court backlog

The Punjab Assembly has referred the Punjab Alternative Dispute Resolution Ordinance 2026 to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs for further review. The proposed ordinance aims to reduce the burden of pending court cases and provide faster justice by establishing an authority to resolve disputes through mediation, reconciliation, and mutual negotiation.

Under this system, pending court cases can be referred to the authority with the consent of the involved parties. Once a dispute is resolved, the relevant court will issue the final decision and decree. Services will be provided by judges nominated by the Lahore High Court, approved mediators, or approved service centers. The authority will be responsible for overseeing the system, approving mediators and centers, and establishing training protocols.

The scope of the ordinance includes family disputes, child custody, commercial contract enforcement, damages, recovery of movable or immovable property, inheritance, professional negligence, consumer disputes, and copyright matters. To facilitate participation, parties may appear in person, through representatives, or via video link, which will also accommodate overseas Pakistanis. In cases involving women, female mediators will be prioritized, and proceedings will remain confidential.