Pakistan’s first Trade Dispute Resolution Commission (TDRC) has officially begun operations, marking a landmark development in the country’s trade governance framework.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan inaugurated the Commission, describing it as a “transformational step” that will provide businesses with a neutral, transparent, and efficient mechanism for resolving trade disputes. This is the first time since the passage of the Trade Dispute Resolution Act, 2022 that the Commission has been fully staffed and made functional.
The five-member body comprises Umar Dad Afridi, Javed Iqbal Khan, Muhammad Hamood Ur Rauf, Muhammad Rauf Khan, and Riffat Inam Butt. At the launch, Jam Kamal Khan unveiled an action plan that includes securing office space, finalizing service and financial rules, launching an online complaint portal, and initiating a nationwide awareness campaign.
“The TDRC will transform how trade disputes are resolved in Pakistan, giving greater confidence to investors and the business community,” the minister stated, adding that the Executive Director General of the Trade Dispute Resolution Organization (TDRO) would provide full operational support.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, hailed the move as a reflection of the government’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s trade institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the members, Riffat Inam Butt and Umar Dad Afridi pledged to ensure transparency and professionalism in their work. They stressed that the Commission’s functioning would set new standards of fairness in trade dispute settlement and enhance Pakistan’s image as a credible trading partner.
The operationalization of the TDRC is expected to significantly improve ease of doing business, safeguard traders’ rights, and attract investment through predictable and impartial dispute resolution.
