March 14, 2021: CODE PAKISTAN in collaboration with the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue), and the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) organized a 3-day training on “Mainstreaming ADR for Equitable Access to Justice in Pakistan” from March 12-14, 2021 in Bhurban. The training was attended by senior FBR officials from throughout the country and was intended to raise awareness and build the capacity of FBR offices throughout Pakistan to provide support to citizens in the quick and efficient resolution of tax disputes by using effective methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The trainers comprised a distinguished panel of international and local subject matter experts who collectively provided a comprehensive understanding of international ADR best practices and the application potential of such mechanisms within the context of the national tax regime.
The first day of the training featured presentations by Advocate High Court, Dr. Tariq Masood and Mediator and Supreme Court Justice of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms. Nina Betetto. The trainings provided an in-depth look into the general concept and evolution of ADR, as well as a contextual perspective of ADR practices in Pakistan with attention to developments, advantages, reasons for its lack of success, and various approaches for a better outcome.
The second day of the training entailed presentations by mediator and Barrister-at-law, Mr. Bahadur Bokhari, President of the European Centre for Dispute Resolution and Former Minister of Justice of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Aleš Zalar, and last but not least, Mediator and Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms. Maša Kociper. The trainings covered a range of ADR related aspects from examples of international best practices, the essential considerations for devising a mediation scheme, various mediation techniques and phases, and the requirements and characteristics of an effective mediator to the scope of ADR in income tax disputes.
The training concluded with discussions among participants on feasibility options for the implementation of ADR practices in the tax regime of Pakistan. These discussions culminated in the development of a set of recommendations, which were reviewed by the international and local trainers and further refined in light of their feedback.
The abovementioned is the first of several trainings that will be held within various cities of Pakistan to upgrade the knowledge and skills of regional FBR offices on the subject of ADR.