Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Domestic and international arbitration, and negotiated settlement of commercial disputes. Irfan Mir Halepota & Associates represents clients in this area before the relevant Karachi courts and tribunals.
Arbitration clauses are common in Pakistani commercial contracts, but the process only works in a client's favour when it's handled with the same rigour as litigation — proper notice, careful selection of arbitrators, and disciplined evidence. We represent clients in arbitral proceedings and in the enforcement or challenge of resulting awards, and we act as mediators and negotiators where a settled outcome serves the client better than a prolonged dispute.
What this covers
- Domestic arbitration under the Arbitration Act, 1940
- International arbitration and enforcement of foreign awards
- Drafting and reviewing arbitration clauses
- Mediation and negotiated settlement
- Challenge and enforcement proceedings before the High Court
Where we appear
- Arbitral tribunals (ad hoc and institutional)
- High Court of Sindh (Arbitration matters)
- International arbitration centres
Forum selection and limitation periods are often decided in the first conversation about a matter — the earlier we're involved, the more options remain open.
Common questions
Our contract has an arbitration clause — does that mean we can't go to court at all?
Generally yes for the dispute covered by the clause; courts will typically refer the parties to arbitration if one side tries to litigate instead. Certain interim relief may still be available from the courts pending the arbitration.
How enforceable is an arbitral award once it's issued?
A domestic award is enforceable much like a court decree once it's made a rule of court; foreign awards are enforced under the New York Convention, subject to narrow statutory challenges we'd assess against your specific award.
Related areas of practice
- Civil LitigationContract, commercial and property disputes carried from plaint to appeal.→
- Criminal LitigationRepresentation from the first FIR through trial, bail and appeal.→
- Corporate & Commercial LawFormation, governance, contracts and disputes for companies operating in Pakistan.→
- Family LawCourt marriage, divorce and khulla, custody, guardianship and maintenance.→
Speak with an advocate about arbitration & alternative dispute resolution
Tell us the facts of your matter and we'll advise on forum, timeline and next steps before you commit to anything.
Book a consultation