The Punjab government has established the Punjab Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority under an ordinance to help settle disputes outside courts.
The new authority will allow the public, government departments, and other parties to resolve disputes through mutual consultation at lower cost and in less time.
Officials said the move will reduce the burden of pending cases on the judicial system and provide an alternative to lengthy legal proceedings.
Under the new setup, the Punjab chief minister will serve as chairperson of the authority, while a director general and experts from different fields will be appointed as members.
The authority will include retired judges from the High Courts, the Supreme Court and subordinate judiciary, former government officials, and experts in criminal law, civil law, taxation, corporate affairs and other relevant fields.
ADRA will handle disputes between the government and the public, private individuals, and corporate entities.
It will also be able to issue licences to experts from different fields so they can take part in the dispute resolution process.
Settlements reached through the forum will be formally notified by the authority.
The initiative is aimed at providing an efficient, accessible, and cost-effective mechanism for dispute resolution while easing pressure on courts facing a large backlog of cases.
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