It is with great pride that I share the following news: the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, more commonly known as ICSID, will be joining us as the first official co-host of the Pakistan International Disputes Weekend (PIDW) 2025, which is set to draw its drapes on the 11th and 12th of October in Islamabad. 

This collaboration is a proud milestone not only for PIDW but also for Pakistan’s expanding presence in the global dispute resolution community. From the very beginning, PIDW was envisioned as a platform to bring together thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and innovators to reflect on the most pressing issues in dispute resolution and international arbitration. This year, with ICSID’s involvement, the 2025 edition of PIDW promises to be bigger and better than ever, dedicated to positioning Pakistan in the global dispute resolution terrain. 

About ICSID — and Why This Matters

Established in 1966, ICSID is a member of the World Bank Group and stands as the world’s leading institution for resolving disputes between foreign investors and sovereign states. With over 150 contracting states, ICSID has been instrumental in shaping international investment law and is widely recognized for its neutrality, transparency, and legal excellence.

For Pakistan, I consider ICSID’s support to reflect Pakistan’s growing engagement with international practices and the country’s growing determination to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for managing investment disputes effectively, transparently, and fairly. 

What to Expect at PIDW 2025

Under the banner of Reviewing, Reflecting, Reviving, PIDW 2025 will feature:

  • In-depth sessions on emerging trends in international arbitration and dispute resolution, such as specialized commercial courts and resolving conflicts in the energy and power sector. 
  • Critical discussions on ensuring transparency and fairness in Investor-State Dispute Settlement, with valuable insights from professionals of ICSID. 
  • Networking opportunities with global thought leaders, senior counsel, arbitrators, and institutional representatives
  • A strong focus on legal innovation, capacity development, and collaboration across borders, and how AI can play a role in encouraging such innovative growth.

Looking Ahead

As Chair of PIDW, I truly believe this collaboration marks a turning point — not only for our event but for the role Pakistan can play in shaping global legal discourse. With ICSID on board, we have an extraordinary opportunity to elevate our conversations and work toward a more robust, transparent, and investor-friendly dispute resolution framework.

To our legal community, both in Pakistan and abroad: I invite you to join us this October in Islamabad to be part of a conversation that will define the next chapter in international dispute resolution.

Stay tuned for more updates at www.pidw.pk and follow our journey on LinkedIn. We look forward to welcoming you.

Warm regards,

Mian Sheraz Javaid,

Chair, Pakistan International Disputes Weekend (PIDW)