Pakistan

Background

The Model Rules of Business for Musalihat Anjumans, an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for arbitration, mediation and reconciliation of disputes relating to violence and abuse authorized by the Local Government Ordinance 2001- notified by respective Provincial Governments. The active involvement and support of a former female Supreme Court Judge accelerated the process of acceptance and buy-in within the legal and administrative circles resulting in a speedy notification of the rules. The ROBs are notable for their emphasis on female representation in the arbitration committee.

Objectives

1. Constitute and mobilize Musalihat Anjumans in all Union Councils in the selected districts (under the Local Government Ordinance 2001);
2. Build the capacity of Musalihat Anjumans through Musalihat Anjuman Support Services (MASS);
3. Establish partnerships between judiciary, police and Musalihat Anjumans for accountable, fair and equitable dispensation of justice;
4. Practice community advocacy for legal rights of women, and men’s role in ending violence.
   

Key Results

The project has operationalized the ADR mechanism stipulated in the Local Government Ordinance of 2001, which mandates the Insaf (Justice) Committee of each Union Council to constitute a three member MA within thirty days after its election.

1,115 MA’s operationalized in twenty-two districts of Pakistan;

Out of a total of 19,391 cases received so far by MAs, 15,095 (78%) disputes amicably resolved;

MAs recognized by the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Supreme Court of Pakistan for the tangible results achieved in dispensing cheap and fair justice for the people of Pakistan;

330 District & Session Judges, Addl. District Judges, Civil Judges and Senior Civil Judges and 20 District Attorney’s trained in Alternate Dispute Resolution; and

More than 19,844 stakeholders trained on gender sensitization, legal literacy, monitoring, ADR, computer skills and record keeping/reporting.