ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has formally notified the Trade Dispute Resolution Rules, 2026, introducing a structured legal framework aimed at facilitating efficient and transparent resolution of commercial disputes, particularly those involving international trade.
Issued through S.R.O. 552(I)/2026 by the Ministry of Commerce, the new rules have been framed under Section 58 of the Trade Dispute Resolution Act, 2022, and came into force with immediate effect following their publication in the official Gazette.
The rules lay down comprehensive procedures for filing, processing, and adjudicating trade disputes through the Trade Dispute Resolution Commission (TDRC), with a focus on promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation.
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According to the notification, the Commission will entertain disputes where the value of claims is not less than USD5,000, thereby targeting commercially significant cases while discouraging trivial litigation. Applications can be submitted physically, via registered post, or through designated email and online platforms, reflecting the government’s push toward digitalization and ease of doing business.
The rules also allow applicants to file complaints through international TDRC support desks established at Pakistani missions abroad, facilitating overseas Pakistanis and foreign stakeholders engaged in trade with Pakistan.
Applicants are required to submit complete documentation, including supporting evidence, authorization letters (if represented), and proof of fee payment. All submissions must be in English, or accompanied by certified translations, ensuring uniformity in proceedings.
The Commission has been empowered to reject applications at any stage if they lack merit, fail to meet procedural requirements, or involve fraudulent or abusive claims. Cases may also be dismissed if parallel proceedings are underway in other competent forums.
To improve transparency and efficiency, the rules mandate the establishment of a complaint register and an online case management system to maintain records of all accepted applications. This digital system is expected to enhance tracking, monitoring, and timely disposal of cases.
Legal experts believe the introduction of these rules marks a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s trade dispute resolution regime, aligning it with international standards such as the UNCITRAL Arbitration and Mediation Rules, which have also been incorporated into the framework.
Officials say the initiative will help build investor confidence, reduce litigation costs, and provide businesses with faster and more reliable mechanisms to resolve disputes, both domestically and internationally.
The notification is part of broader reforms by the government to improve the country’s business climate and attract foreign investment by ensuring predictable and transparent legal processes in commercial dealings.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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