resolution of civil and criminal disputes:
the ADR way

PADRA provides for a system of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) of civil and criminal disputes in Punjab, to ensure inexpensive and expeditious justice, other than adjudication through traditional Courts. 

Government
Regulated

Court Annexed
ADR

Court Referred
ADR

Online Dispute
Resolution

Time Bound
Resolution

Fair, Cost effective & Speedy Dispute Resolution.

PADRA is an autonomous body established under the Punjab Alternative Dispute Resolution Ordinance 2026 to give citizens and businesses trusted, confidential and accredited ways to resolve disputes through ADR.

Our Mandate

Institutionalize Standards

Accredit ADR service providers, centers and training institutes for the resolution of civil and criminal disputes outside traditional court rooms.

Reduce Court Backlogs

Alleviate the massive backlog burdening traditional courts in Punjab.

Save Time and Money

Facilitate cost-effective and expeditious justice to parties who may otherwise face expensive and lengthy trials.

Promote Amicable Settlements

Encourage cooperative, out-of-court resolutions through ADR mechanisms.

How We Facilitate

Accreditation

Accreditation

Accredit ADR service providers, centers and training institutes to achieve the purposes of the Punjab Alternative Dispute Resolution Ordinance 2026.

ADR Database

ADR Database

Maintain database for selection of ADR service providers, centers and training institutions.

Dispute Management System

Dispute Management System

Facilitate referral, tracking and settlement of ADR cases through the Dispute Management System (DMS).

ADR Advocacy

ADR Advocacy

Advocate and promote ADR for transition from adversarial litigation to consensual dispute resolution mechanisms.

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ADR SERVICE PROVIDERS

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ADR CENTERS

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ADR TRAINING INSTITUTES

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OUR PARTNERS

Accreditation Process

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Application for Accreditation

Potential ADR service providers, centers and training institutes (public and private) may apply for accreditation on prescribed forms. 

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Scrutiny and Grant of Certificate

After due process, the accreditation is granted and certificate issued.

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Rejection of Application

Incase of rejection of an application, the applicant may file an appeal before the Authority.



ADR Referral Process

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Who may undertake ADR

Parties directly, Counsels of parties, Mediator Judges nominated by the Lahore High Court, ADR Service Providers and Centers. Where one or both parties are female, ADR may preferably be undertaken by a female ADR Service Provider..

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Referral in Civil Disputes

The Court shall refer a case to an accredited ADR person under Schedule I of the Punjab Alternative Dispute Resolution Ordinance 2026, within (15) days of the defendant's written statement. Under Schedule II the Court may also refer a case to ADR with the consent of the parties. 

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Criminal Dispute Referral

The Court refers cases falling under section 345 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 to an ADR service provider or Center, within the time and conditions set out in section 18 of the Ordinance

ADR Proceedings

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Selection of ADR Service Provider or Center

Parties may, by mutual consent, select an ADR Service Provider or Center from the list provided by the Court. If they disagree, the Court selects one. Costs and fees are borne by the parties as they agree, or as prescribed by the rules.

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Proceedings of ADR

 The parties may attend in person, through authorized agents or attorneys, or by video link. The Court fixes a time of up to thirty days for ADR, extendable to a total of sixty days, and ADR proceedings are confidential. 

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Judgement and decree

If the ADR outcome resolves the matter wholly or partly under applicable law, the Court pronounces judgment. In civil disputes, passes a decree in line with the settlement. Where ADR fails, parties may proceed to Court in accordance with law.

On the ground, across Punjab & Beyond

Mediation Skills Webinar

15 Nov 2026 • Online

Mediation Skills Webinar

A practical webinar for ADR professionals covering communication and mediation skills.

Certified Batch 09 Seminar

18 Sep 2026 • Multan

Certified Batch 09 Seminar

Recognizing newly accredited ADR professionals completing the certification process successfully.

ADR Partnership Conference

05 Aug 2026 • Karachi

ADR Partnership Conference

Formal collaboration sessions focused on strengthening ADR integration within the judicial system.

Community Outreach Seminar

23 Jul 2026 • Islamabad

Community Outreach Seminar

Engaging local communities to raise awareness about ADR and its benefits.

Regional Accreditation Summit

12 May 2026 • Lahore

Regional Accreditation Summit

Bringing ADR professionals together to discuss standards, policies, and accreditation practices.