INTEGRATING ADR INTO LEGAL EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN: NEED FOR CURRICULUM REFORM

Abstract

In recent years, Pakistan has seen a growing recognition of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a vital tool for managing the judiciary's overwhelming caseload.Alternative Dispute Mechanism (ADR ) mechanisms, such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, provide effective alternatives to traditional court proceedings, enabling disputes to be resolved in a more efficient, cost-effective, and timely manner. By leveraging ADR, parties can avoid the lengthy and often cumbersome process of litigation, reducing the burden on the courts and allowing for faster resolution of disputes. The integration of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) into Pakistan's legal education system is a crucial reform that can help address the country's growing judicial backlog. ADR offers an efficient, cost-effective, and time-saving way to resolve disputes outside of traditional court proceedings. However, despite its global recognition, ADR remains largely overlooked in Pakistan's legal curriculum. This study delves into a comprehensive framework which is a need to embed ADR into legal education through curriculum reform, faculty development, clinical training, and regulatory support. By integrating ADR into legal education , Pakistan can promote a culture of peaceful conflict resolution, modernize the legal profession, and better equip lawyers to meet the evolving needs of justice delivery.