In a recent development, a delegation from the Indus Mediation and Dispute Resolution Center (IMDRC), including staff and interns, visited the Society for Human Rights and Prisoners’ Aid (SHARP) to explore potential collaborative opportunities. The delegation was led by Bilal Khan, Director (Coordination) of IMDRC, and included several key members and interns participating in IMDRC’s summer internship program.
During the visit, the IMDRC delegation met with SHARP’s leadership team to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration. The discussions focused on leveraging both organizations’ strengths to enhance mediation and dispute resolution services, with an emphasis on human rights advocacy and providing legal aid to marginalized communities.
Remarks by Director (Coordination), IMDRC:
In his opening remarks, Bilal expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “IMDRC and SHARP share a commitment to promoting access to justice and fostering a culture of peaceful conflict resolution. By working together, we can extend our reach and impact, especially in supporting vulnerable groups who often lack access to legal resources. This collaboration represents a significant step towards achieving our shared goals.”
Remarks by CEO SHARP, Muhammad Mudassar:
Muhammad Mudassar, CEO of SHARP, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the potential synergies between the two organizations. “SHARP has a long history of advocating for human rights and providing essential legal aid services. Partnering with IMDRC allows us to strengthen our efforts in dispute resolution and mediation, ensuring that we can provide comprehensive support to those in need. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration offers,” he said.
Remarks by Chairman SHARP, Syed Liaqat Banori:
The Chairman of SHARP, Syed Liaqat Banori, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in enhancing the efficacy of legal and social services. “Our collaboration with IMDRC is a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose. By combining our resources and expertise, we can create more impactful programs and initiatives that address critical issues within our society,” he remarked.
Chief Guest, Mr. Ehsanullah Khan, Secretary BDIT FBR:
The Chief Guest, Mr. Ehsanullah Khan, Secretary, Business Development and Information Technology (BDIT) at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), lauded the initiative and the commitment of both organizations to advancing ADR mechanisms. “The government’s vision includes fostering a conducive environment for dispute resolution and justice. IMDRC and SHARP’s collaboration is a commendable effort towards this goal, and I encourage both organizations to continue innovating and expanding their services,” he said.
Lecture by Advocate Ghyas, Speaker on ADR:
Advocate Ghyas, a noted speaker on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), also shared his insights during the visit. “ADR is a crucial component of our justice system, offering a faster, more cost-effective, and amicable means of resolving disputes. The partnership between IMDRC and SHARP is a positive development that will enhance the accessibility and quality of ADR services in Pakistan. I look forward to seeing the impact of their combined efforts,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to continue exploring avenues for collaboration. Both organizations recognized the potential benefits of pooling resources and expertise to address complex legal and social issues more effectively.
IMDRC and SHARP plan to follow up on the discussions with further meetings and the development of a formal partnership agreement. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of both organizations to provide comprehensive dispute resolution services and advocacy, ultimately benefiting the broader community.
The visit marks a significant step in IMDRC’s ongoing efforts to forge strategic partnerships and expand its impact in the field of ADR. The organization remains committed to its mission of promoting peaceful conflict resolution and access to justice through innovative and collaborative approaches.
