Reflecting on Pakistan International Disputes Weekend (PIDW) 2025 – Day 1
HP | FKM – Hafeez Pirzada | Farooq, Khan & Mirza – Corporate Counsel | Barristers | Advocates was pleased to take part in the 3rd edition of Pakistan International Disputes Weekend (PIDW) 2025. The event provided a valuable forum for engagement with business leaders, policymakers, and legal professionals on the evolving dynamics of dispute resolution in Pakistan and the broader international context.
The discussions underscored Pakistan’s growing relevance within the international arbitration landscape. From CPEC-related disputes to developments under UNCITRAL reforms, the sessions highlighted how domestic legal experience and international best practices can converge to strengthen transparency, consistency, and credibility in dispute resolution mechanisms.
A key focus of the sessions was the evolving legal and regulatory frameworks supporting foreign direct investment. Emphasis was placed on the importance of legal certainty and efficient arbitration structures in attracting and sustaining foreign investment. Babbar A. Khan, Founding Partner at Hafeez Pirzada | Farooq, Khan & Mirza, elaborated on the next phase of CPEC, highlighting the need for robust regulatory reforms, harmonized legal standards, and strengthened institutional trust across Pakistan.
The discussions also highlighted the role of professional development in building a credible arbitration ecosystem. Training, mentorship, and globally recognized qualifications—such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb)—were identified as essential to nurturing skilled arbitration practitioners in Pakistan and across the Global South.
It was further emphasized that the Global South is no longer a peripheral participant in international arbitration but a key driver of reform and innovation. Collaboration among institutions, digital integration, and policy harmonization were recognized as fundamental pillars for sustainable growth and enhanced investor confidence.
The sessions concluded with a broader reflection on dispute resolution as a pathway to economic stability and long-term prosperity. Effective arbitration and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms were highlighted as vital not only for legal certainty but also for fostering neutrality, dialogue, and trust within global commerce.
Pakistan International Disputes Weekend (PIDW) 2025 reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to developing a modern, inclusive, and globally aligned dispute resolution ecosystem—one that supports economic resilience, cross-border cooperation, and justice through constructive dialogue.
The discussions at PIDW 2025 also highlighted the importance of institutional coordination in strengthening Pakistan’s dispute resolution framework. Speakers emphasized that consistency across regulatory bodies, courts, and arbitral institutions is essential for ensuring predictability and enforceability in complex commercial disputes. Such alignment was recognized as a key factor in enhancing confidence among both domestic and international stakeholders.
Furthermore, the sessions reinforced the need for continuous dialogue between policymakers, legal practitioners, and the business community to address emerging challenges in cross-border disputes. By encouraging collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives, Pakistan International Disputes Weekend reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for advancing legal innovation and fostering a dispute resolution ecosystem that supports long-term economic development and regional cooperation.