Pakistan International Disputes Weekend

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Pakistan International Disputes Weekend

Join us at PIDW 25 as we explore key global conflicts, foster dialogue, and seek peaceful resolutions

PIDW is the first-of-its-kind international level event on dispute resolution in Pakistan. PIDW’s broad objective is to gather the global best practitioners from the diverse field of dispute resolution mechanisms and unify them on one platform to provide insight on advancing dispute resolution in Pakistan. Our primary goal is to bring together the world's leading practitioners from various dispute

resolution fields and unite them on a single platform to provide insight into advancing dispute resolution in Pakistan. PIDW also presents an opportunity for foreign law firms to network and assist with emerging disputes related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. With infrastructure and energy projects worth $70 billion in the final stages of CPEC, disputes may arise and require prompt resolution.

11/10/2025

Panel 5 | A New Era for the Global South: Prosperity Through Dispute Resolution Excellence

Concluding Day 1 of PIDW 2025, Panel 5 — “A New Era for the Global South: Prosperity Through Dispute Resolution Excellence” — delivered a powerful message on regional empowerment, collaboration, and reform.

Moderated by Mian Sheraz Javaid, Chair, PIDW & Ciarb Pakistan Branch, the session brought together a distinguished panel of leaders from across the Global South:

Joanne Lau, Secretary General, HKIAC (Hong Kong)

Vakhtang Gvianidze, Deputy Counsel, SIAC (Singapore)

Rajendra Prasad, Chairman, NEPCA (Nepal)

Katherine Pavlidis, President, ADRA (Australia)

Lilit Petrosyan, Director, AMCA (Armenia)

Rana Sajjad, President, CIICA (Pakistan) –

Aliaksei Korochkin, Deputy Chairman, Chamber of Arbitrators

Henk Louw, Chair, Ciarb South Africa Branch

Olusola Adegbonmire, Chair, Ciarb Nigeria Branch

The discussion illuminated how the Global South’s legal institutions are transitioning from developing participants to leading contributors in the international arbitration ecosystem. Speakers highlighted institutional reform, digital transformation, cross-border cooperation, and professional standardization as the key ingredients for sustainable growth and investor confidence.

In his closing remarks, Mian Sheraz Javaid emphasized that dispute resolution excellence is the foundation of peace and prosperity, reiterating the Peace Mandate — that dialogue, neutrality, and justice remain the only true instruments of progress.

11/10/2025

Panel 4 | Capacity, Credentials, and Connections: Ciarb’s Role in Global Arbitration Entry

The fourth session of PIDW 2025, “Capacity, Credentials, and Connections: Ciarb’s Role in Global Arbitration Entry,” highlighted the Institute’s growing leadership in building pathways for professional excellence, inclusivity, and innovation within international arbitration.

Moderated by Michael Tonkin, President, Ciarb (2026–2027), the panel brought together an outstanding lineup of Ciarb leaders and practitioners:

Henk Louw, Chair, ciarb South Africa (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - South Africa Branch)

Olusola Adegbonmire, Chair, Ciarb Nigeria Branch

Julia Sullivan, JD, LLM, FCIArb, Chair, Ciarb North America Branch

Salwa Khairallah, International Mediator & Trainer

Panelists discussed the transformational value of Ciarb credentials, the importance of cross-branch collaboration, and the Institute’s role in developing a globally harmonized professional standard for arbitrators and mediators.

The conversation emphasized that capacity building and credential recognition are not only professional milestones but essential tools for shaping trust and consistency in global ADR.

The session concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen mentorship, digital training, and inclusivity across the Ciarb network worldwide.

11/10/2025

Panel 3 | CPEC 2.0 and the Future of Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan

The third session of PIDW 2025, “CPEC 2.0 and the Future of Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan: Opportunities and Policy Challenges,” offered an in-depth look at how CPEC’s second phase can reshape Pakistan’s economic and legal landscape through infrastructure growth, regional partnerships, and digital innovation.

Moderated by Anil (安纽) CHANGAROTH, SCL (International) Liaison Committee, SCL (Singapore), the panel featured:

Waseem RAZA, FCIArb, Vice President, SCL Pakistan

Babbar A. Khan, Founding Partner, Hafeez Pirzada | Farooq, Khan & Mirza

Mian Zafar Kalanauri, Partner, Zafar Kalanauri & Associates

Asim Amin, Islamabad Chair Chapter, Ciarb Pakistan Branch

Panelists highlighted that CPEC 2.0 represents more than a trade corridor — it’s an opportunity to strengthen institutional governance, dispute resolution capacity, and cross-border trust.

Discussions emphasized digital integration, shared expertise, and legal harmonization as essential tools for attracting sustainable FDI and ensuring balanced, transparent development.

The dialogue reaffirmed Pakistan’s pivotal role in connecting regional economies through both policy innovation and robust legal frameworks.

11/10/2025

Panel 2 Recap | ISDS Toolkit: The Quantum Leap by UNCITRAL

The second session of PIDW 2025, “ISDS Toolkit: The Quantum Leap by UNCITRAL,” offered deep insight into the evolving frameworks of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) and the next phase of UNCITRAL-led reform in international arbitration.

Moderated by Mian Sheraz Javaid (MSJ) FCIArb, Chair, PIDW & Ciarb Pakistan Branch, the panel featured distinguished speakers:

Ehsan Ullah Mahsud, Senior Legal Practitioner, Pakistan

Justice (Rtd.) Zulfiqar Ahmad Khan, Former Judge, Sindh High Court

Aleksei Korochkin, FCIArb, Deputy Chairman, Chamber of Arbitrators & Chairman, Sports Arbitration Court, Belarusian Republican Union of Lawyers; UNCITRAL, Belarus

Mahwash Ali, Co-Founder, TMH Partners LLP

The discussion examined UNCITRAL’s reform initiatives, the practical challenges of sovereign accountability, and the balancing act between investor confidence and state sovereignty. Panelists explored how new ISDS tools can promote transparency, sustainability, and equitable outcomes for both states and investors.

The session underscored Pakistan’s growing engagement with global arbitration frameworks and reaffirmed PIDW’s role as a thought leader in advancing dialogue between institutions, practitioners, and policymakers.

11/10/2025

Panel 1 | The Contractor’s Roadmap: CPEC Disputes, FIDIC Contracts & ICC Arbitration

The opening panel of PIDW 2025, “The Contractor’s Roadmap: CPEC Disputes, FIDIC Contracts, and ICC Arbitration,” delivered a powerful start to the weekend’s discussions — unpacking the complexities of Pakistan’s infrastructure and construction disputes within global frameworks.

Moderated by Virginie Colaiuta, Partner, LMS Legal LLP (London), the panel brought together:

Stephen Hibbert, Independent Arbitrator & Mediator, ArbDB Chambers (New York)

Rafey A Siddiqui A. Siddiqui, COO, Osmani & Company (Pvt.) Ltd.(Islamabad)

Hussnain Shahid, Director, Grayway (Pvt) Ltd. (Islamabad)

Julia Sullivan, JD, LLM, FCIArb, Arbitrator, ArbDB Chambers (New York)

The session explored key themes including FIDIC contracts under stress, employer attitudes towards international arbitration, the contractor’s perspective on disputes, and risk allocation in public–private infrastructure projects.

The conversation highlighted how the CPEC project pipeline and international arbitration mechanisms can together create a more resilient, transparent, and trusted environment for construction disputes in Pakistan and the wider region.

11/10/2025

PIDW 2025 Is Underway

The Pakistan International Disputes Weekend (PIDW 2025) commenced this morning in Islamabad with a solemn recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Noor Siddiqi, Director of Towerbridge Legal, London , setting a reflective and dignified tone for the proceedings.

Following the recitation, Mian Sheraz Javaid, Chair PIDW & Ciarb Pakistan Branch, delivered the opening address, welcoming delegates, jurists, and institutional leaders from around the world.

In his remarks, he spoke of Pakistan’s growing role in shaping global dispute-resolution frameworks and introduced the “Peace Mandate” — a call to recognize ADR not only as a commercial mechanism but as a pathway to understanding and global harmony.

The day now continues with a series of high-level panels, innovation showcases, and networking sessions bringing together experts from Ciarb, ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, TIAC, and leading ADR centres across the Global South.

19/09/2025

Julia E. Sullivan, Expert International Arbitrator, Speaks at PIDW 25.

We are delighted to announce Julia E. Sullivan, American lawyer, English solicitor, and seasoned international arbitrator, as a distinguished speaker at the Pakistan International Disputes Weekend 2025.

With over 140 appointments as Tribunal Chair, Tribunal Member, Emergency Arbitrator, or Sole Arbitrator, Julia brings unmatched expertise in energy, infrastructure, and finance disputes.

Before founding her own firm, she chaired the Energy Regulation, Markets and Enforcement practice at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where she also served on the Steering Committee of the Global Energy & Transactions practice.
Her academic and professional journey spans graduate degrees in law and business across common law and civil law jurisdictions, and she has taught university-level courses on international arbitration, energy policy, and project finance.
Julia also serves as a Fellow of CIArb, Vice Chair (Membership) of CIArb’s North America Branch, a Senior Lawyer at the Center for International Legal Studies, and is listed on the roster of arbitrators for several arbitral institutions.

📌 At PIDW’25, Julia will join the panel:
“The Contractor’s Roadmap: CPEC Disputes, FIDIC Contracts, and the ICC Arbitration”
with a sub-focus on “Dispute Resolution for Key Risks in Public-Private Infrastructure Projects.”
Want to engage with Julia Sullivan and other leading voices from across the globe?

Register now at https://pidw.pk/registration.
Interested in representing your organisation at PIDW? Email us now at [email protected].
For more information, visit www.pidw.pk.

18/09/2025

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hashtag hashtag Shafique, Partner at Haidermota & Co. (HMCO) Speaks at PIDW 25
We are pleased to announce Uzair Shafique, Partner at Haidermota & Co. (HMCO) & Co., as a speaker at the Pakistan International Disputes Weekend 2025.

With extensive experience in corporate and commercial law, Uzair has advised on some of Pakistan’s most complex infrastructure and natural resource projects. His expertise in structuring, transparency, and lifecycle contracting brings a unique perspective to this year’s discussions.

Uzair will join the panel:

The Reko Diq Diaries: Lessons in Utilization, Transparency, and Lifecycle Contracting” unpacking the landmark project and the broader lessons it holds for resource utilization and sustainable contracting practices.

Founded in 1957, Haidermota & Co. (HMCO) . is one of Pakistan’s most respected law firms, consistently ranked among the country’s leading practices by international legal directories such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, and IFLR1000. The firm is renowned for its work in energy, natural resources, infrastructure, project finance, M&A, and dispute resolution, advising both domestic and international clients on landmark transactions and high-stakes disputes.

Want to engage with Uzair Shafique and other leading voices from across the globe? Register now at https://pidw.pk/registration

Interested in representing your organisation at PIDW? Email us at [email protected]

For more information, visit www.pidw.pk

16/09/2025

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐠, 𝐂𝐨-𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐗 𝐏𝐭𝐞. 𝐋𝐭𝐝., 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐖 25.

We are pleased to announce Linda Heng, Co-founder & CEO of ResoX Pte. Ltd. and expert in mediation, as a speaker at the Pakistan International Disputes Weekend 2025.
As an expert in mediation, ADR, and dispute resolution, Linda has spent over a decade helping individuals, businesses, and institutions resolve conflicts through creative, efficient, and equitable methods. With a strong background in technology-enabled mediation and building bridges between practice and policy, she is well placed to speak on how mandatory mediation can drive real economic benefits.

Linda will join the panel:

“Mediation as a Catalyst for Economic Prosperity: The Power of Mandatory Mediation”

where she will where she will speak on the subtopic 'An Emphasis on Disputes Among Shareholders and the Startup Ecosystem' a critical issue for fostering innovation and investor confidence in emerging markets.

Want to engage with Linda Heng and other leading voices from across the globe?

Register now at https://pidw.pk/registration.

Interested in representing your organisation at PIDW? Email us now at [email protected].

For more information, visit www.pidw.pk.

15/09/2025

I Am Speaking at PIDW 2025

We are honoured to welcome Barrister Qasim Wadud, Principal at Legal Oracles, as a speaker at the Pakistan International Disputes Weekend 2025.
A distinguished legal mind and steadfast supporter of alternative dispute resolution in Pakistan, Qasim has been instrumental in advancing the vision of PIDW as a landmark platform for global legal dialogue. His generous sponsorship and strategic support during PIDW 2024, alongside his firm Legal Oracles, played a pivotal role in elevating the event’s impact.

This year, Qasim will bring his expertise to the panel: “Islamabad for Investors: Building a Trusted Seat for Cross-Border Dispute Resolution” — a timely conversation on positioning Pakistan’s capital as a reliable hub for international arbitration and investor confidence.
Want to engage with Qasim Wadud and other leading voices from across the globe?

Register now at https://pidw.pk/registration.
Interested in representing your organisation at PIDW? Email us now at [email protected].
For more information, visit www.pidw.pk.

12/09/2025

Dr Masako Miyatake, practicing attorney with Blakemore & Mitsuki, Speaks at PIDW 25.

We are honoured to welcome Professor Masako Miyatake, Professor of Law at Keio University Law School and practicing attorney with Blakemore & Mitsuki, as a distinguished speaker at the Pakistan International Disputes Weekend 2025.

Professor Miyatake is a leading scholar and practitioner of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), with over two decades of legal practice in Japan and academic excellence spanning Japan and the United States. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Law from Hitotsubashi University, an LL.M. from Columbia University Law School, and has served as both a professor and visiting scholar, shaping the field of ADR globally.

Her pioneering work bridges practice and theory, with a strong focus on mediation from court-connected processes to workplace and household disputes and on empowering individuals and institutions to resolve conflicts proactively. An advocate for conflict management in education and the workplace, Professor Miyatake brings unique insights into the role of ADR in strengthening justice systems and communities.

Want to engage with Dr Masako Miyatake and other leading voices from across the globe? Register now at https://pidw.pk/registration.
Interested in representing your organisation at PIDW? Email us now at [email protected].
For more information, visit www.pidw.pk.

11/09/2025

Announcement by PIDW

DRBF to Co-Host the 3rd Pakistan International Disputes Weekend (PIDW)

Islamabad | 11–12 October 2025 | Serena Hotel

The Pakistan International Disputes Weekend (PIDW) is proud to announce that the Dispute Resolution Board Foundation Dispute Resolution Board Foundation will join as an Official Co-Host of the 3rd edition of PIDW, taking place on 11th–12th October 2025 at Serena, Islamabad.

DRBF’s co-hosting reflects our shared commitment to advancing dialogue on dispute resolution mechanisms and strengthening the global and regional infrastructure for peaceful conflict management. This year’s theme, ‘New Era for the Region: Peace, Progress and Global Dispute Resolution,’ will highlight key issues in arbitration, mediation, dispute boards, and judicial innovation across the region.

As Co-Host, Dispute Resolution Board Foundation will contribute significantly to PIDW 2025 by:

Leading a panel discussion focused on dispute board practices and global developments.

Delivering a 2-day training workshop on Dispute Boards on 9th and 10th October 2025, ahead of the main conference.

Our partnership with DRBF as Co-Host reflects a shared commitment to strengthening dispute resolution systems and fostering meaningful professional exchange across borders.

We invite practitioners, professionals, institutional partners, and global attendees to join us in Islamabad for this timely and impactful event.

Stay tuned for updates on registration, agenda, and speaker announcements.

About DRBF

The Dispute Resolution Board Foundation (DRBF) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting the use of Dispute Boards to prevent and resolve disputes in construction and infrastructure projects worldwide.

Website: https://www.drbf.org/

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