The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) has proposed a constitutional amendment to introduce Article 212-A into the Constitution. The initiative aims to set up the International Commercial Court of Pakistan (ICCP), structured as an independent federal superior court dedicated to handling commercial disputes and enforcing arbitral awards.
Key Details from the Commission Meeting
The proposal was formally decided during the 49th meeting of the LJCP on July 20, 2026. The session was chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and brought together key judicial officials alongside Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Primary objectives behind establishing the specialized tribunal include accelerating dispute resolution for cross-border matters and strengthening foreign investor confidence in Pakistan's legal framework.
Secondary Recommendation for Microfinance Banking
In addition to the primary court proposal, the LJCP recommended an amendment to Section 3A(1A) of the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962. This change is designed to broaden the jurisdiction of the Banking Mohtasib to cover microfinance institution customers.
Current Status and Next Steps
Because the LJCP operates in an advisory capacity, full implementation depends on parliamentary action. The proposal now requires the federal government and Parliament to draft, debate, and pass the necessary constitutional amendment bill.