ISLAMABAD, November 5, 2026 — Pakistan is pursuing amendments to corporate legislation and reforms to commercial dispute resolution as part of efforts to improve the business environment and strengthen investor confidence, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar told an international forum in Washington.
Speaking at the World Bank Group’s Law, Justice and Development Forum 2026, Tarar outlined proposed changes to the Companies Act that would replace several criminal penalties with financial fines and facilitate online corporate filings.
The proposed amendments have been prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Board of Investment.
The minister said Pakistan was also working to improve the resolution of commercial disputes through specialised commercial courts, court-connected mediation and updated arbitration legislation.
A proposed Arbitration Act, based on the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law, is intended to replace Pakistan’s existing arbitration legislation dating from 1940.
Tarar highlighted the establishment of the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre in Islamabad as another measure to support alternative dispute resolution.
He also discussed the Asaan Karobar law, which provides for a national one-window business portal and a unified registry of licences and permits, alongside the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act 2022.
Pakistan has signed the Singapore Convention on Mediation, while legislation required for its ratification is being prepared, according to the minister.
During discussions with regional counterparts, Tarar proposed closer cooperation on commercial courts, arbitration and cross-border enforcement of dispute settlements.
He also invited the World Bank to support Pakistan’s commercial justice reforms and efforts to improve the country’s performance on international governance indicators.
The proposed Companies Act amendments and arbitration legislation form part of the government’s stated programme to simplify business procedures and improve the legal framework for investment.