KARACHI, June 19: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank group, is establishing a pilot mediation centre in Karachi, the first of its kind in Pakistan, Ms Navin Merchant programme manager ADR/Mediation disclosed at the certificate award ceremony for 36 trainees presided over by Sindh Chief Justice Mr Sabihuddin Ahmad.

Ms Merchant promised a rapid build-up on foundation course to enable the centre to have its own home-grown group of mediators.

In collaboration with the federal ministry of Law, Justice, and Human Rights, the IFC introduced the ADR/mediation pilot project of institutionalization of mediation cases referred to courts. It comprised of two foundation courses, each of five days. The 36 delegates in the course, included lawyers, barristers, chartered accountants, bankers, corporate executives, university teachers and civil servants. They were selected by an advisory board of the project headed by the Chief Justice.