Pakistan's top judicial body has formally recommended a constitutional amendment to create a specialized court for international commercial disputes, aiming to boost investor confidence and streamline trade-related litigation. The proposal, if enacted, would establish the International Commercial Court of Pakistan as an independent federal superior court. Main Developments The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), chaired by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, approved the recommendation during its 49th meeting held in Islamabad. The commission proposed inserting a new Article 212-A into the Constitution to create the court. Read also: Punjab Assembly Bill Targets Dual Nationals in Government Jobs The envisioned court would provide swift resolution of international commercial disputes, strengthen enforcement of arbitral awards, and promote consistency in commercial jurisprudence. The proposal also seeks to enhance investor confidence and position Pakistan as a credible destination for international trade and investment. Separately, the LJCP approved amendments to Section 3A (1A) of the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962. This change would extend the jurisdiction of the banking mohtasib to cover customers of microfinance banks and institutions, offering them an accessible grievance redress mechanism. Background The LJCP is a statutory body headed by the chief justice of Pakistan, responsible for recommending legal and judicial reforms. Its latest meeting focused on aligning Pakistan's commercial justice framework with international best practices. The commission has previously recommended various reforms to improve the efficiency of the country's judicial system. The current proposal follows growing recognition that Pakistan's existing commercial dispute resolution mechanisms have been slow and unpredictable, deterring foreign investment. Why It Matters Establishing an international commercial court would directly address a key concern of foreign investors: the time and cost of resolving disputes in Pakistan's regular courts. A dedicated court with specialized expertise could reduce case backlogs and provide more predictable outcomes. The parallel move to extend the banking mohtasib's jurisdiction to microfinance customers signals a broader effort to strengthen consumer protection alongside commercial reform. This dual approach aims to build public confidence in the financial sector while making the country more attractive for international business. What's Next The LJCP has forwarded its constitutional amendment recommendation to the federal government for consideration. The government must now decide whether to initiate the legislative process required to amend the Constitution. If the amendment proceeds, it would require approval by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. The timeline for legislative action remains unclear, as does the government's position on the proposal.