Trade Dispute Resolution Act, 2022

Exact source transcription retained, including print layout and extraction artifacts. Text SHA-256: 5b407c2e4a94ed7edabece0651b93f24ba75c25b292ee78167d618a5b67e91d4.

Page 1 of 27  
 
 
 
 
  
THE TRADE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT, 2022. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS 
PART-I 
Introduction and Scope 
1. Short title, extent and commencement 
2. Definitions 
3. Scope of application 
4. Non-intervention 
PART-II 
The Trade Dispute Resolution Commission (TDRC) 
5. Constitution of the Commission 
6. Head office 
7. Exclusive jurisdiction of the Commission 
8. Composition of the Commission 
9. Qualification and eligibility of the Commission 
10. Disqualification 
11. Chairman 
12. Acting Chairman 
13. Term of office 
 

 
Page 2 of 27  
14. Remova1 of members 
15. Trade Dispute Resolution Fund 
16. Accounts and audit 
17. Annual report 
18. Appointments by Commission 
19. Meetings of Commission 
20. Disclosure of interest by members 
21. Conflict of interest by staff of Commission 
22. Officers and employees, etc., to be public servants 
PART-III 
Functions and powers of the Commission 
23. Functions of the Commission 
24. Power to acquire information 
25. Power of the Commission as civil court 
26. Delegation of powers 
27. Administration and secretariat of the Commission 
PART-IV 
Referral, Allocation and Proceedings for Dispute Resolution 
28. Referral of trade disputes to the Commission 
29. Requirement of a written application 
30. Review of the complaint 
31. Notice to appear 
32. Withdrawal of application 
33. Allocation by the Commission 
34. Self-allocation by the Commission 
PART-V 
Determinations of the Commission 
35. Final determination passed by the Commission 
 
Page 3 of 27  
36. Power to issue interim determination 
37. Powers 
38. Extent of powers 
39. Failure of parties to respond 
40. Declarations, directions and recommendations 
41. Appeal against Commission’s final determinations 
PART-VI 
Conciliation of trade disputes 
42. Referral to conciliation 
43. Regional conciliation committees 
44. Detailed directions and guidelines 
45. Approved conciliators 
46. Completion of conciliation 
PART-VII 
Arbitration of trade disputes 
47. References to arbitration 
48. Approved arbitrators 
PART-VIII 
Commercial Benches of the High Court 
49. Constitution of commercial benches 
50. References to a commercial bench 
PART-IX 
Domestic and International Assistance by the Commission 
51. Powers in relation to assistance by the Commission 
52. Extent of powers 
PART-X 
Capacity Building, Training and Consultation Service 
53. Promotion of alternative trade dispute resolution mechanisms 
  
 
Page 4 of 27  
PART-XI 
Supplemenary Provisions 
54. Common seal 
55. Service, of notices and other documents 
56. Fines and penalties 
57. Failure to disclose correct information 
58. Power to make rules and regulations 
59. Power to issue guidelines 
60. Removal of difficulties 
61. Authorities to assist and aid Commission 
62. Immunity 
63. Repeal     
 
  
 
Page 5 of 27  
THE TRADE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT, 2022 
ACT NO. LVI OF 2023 
[11th August, 2023] 
AN 
ACT 
to provide for the establishment of a comprehensive regime in Pakistan for the swift and effective 
resolution of disputes relating to the export and import of goods and services including import and 
export through e-commerce. 
WHEREAS, it is essential , for the promotion of trade in Pakistan , protection of all trading 
interests and improvement of Pakistan’s standing internationally, that there shall be established an 
effective dispute resolution regime for the swift, efficient and effective resolution of international trade 
disputes through negotiations, determinations, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and referral 
of disputes to commercial benches; 
WHEREAS, it is necessary that such dispute resolution regime should be co mprehensive and 
flexible encompassing a full range of dispute resolution method, cooperation and assistance from the 
relevant government bodies as well as consistent with internationally accepted standards; and that such 
a regime should be equipped with in  exclusive supervisory and enforcement jurisdiction and a 
streamlined procedure to carry out the purposes of this Act; 
AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to constitute a trade dispute resolution commission to 
perform and execute the functions outlined in this Ac t with the possibility of performing the same 
functions with regard to domestic trade disputes in the future, as may prescribed at a later time. 
It is hereby enacted as follows:__ 
PART-I 
Introduction and Scope 
1. Short title, extent and commencement .__ (1) This Act  shall  be called the Trade 
Dispute Resolution Act, 2022. 
(2) It shall extend to the whole of Pakistan. 
(3) This Act shall come into force at once. 
2. Definitions.__ In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,__ 
(1) “arbitration” means any arbitration pursuant to section 48; 
(2) “arbitration agreement” means an agreement made by parties to submit to 
arbitration pursuant to section 48 in all or certain disputes which have arisen or 
may arise b etween the m in respect of a defined legal relationship whether 
contractual or not; 
(3) “arbitrator” means a sole arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators; 
 
Page 6 of 27  
(4) “black-listed party” means a party which does not comply with the findings of 
TDRC given in its Final Determination and being declared black-listed by the 
Commission through an order; 
(5) “commercial bench”  means a  commercial bench of the High Court as 
constituted pursuant to section 51 or otherwise in existence; 
(6) “Commission” or “TDRC” means the Trade Dispute Resolution Commission 
constituted under this Act; 
(7) “complaint” means an application filed by a party with the Commission for the 
resolution of a trade dispute; 
(8) “conciliation” means a process, whether referred to by the expression 
conciliation, mediation or an expression of similar import, whereby  parties 
request a third person or persons to assist them in their attempt to reach an  
amicable settlement of their dispute arising out of or relating to a contractual or 
other legal relationship. The conciliator does not have the authority to impose 
upon the parties a solution to the dispute; 
(9) “conciliator” means a sole conciliator or two or more conciliators as the case  
may be; 
(10) “costs of arbitration” means the cost of arbitration including, but not limited 
to, the fees and expenses of the arbitrator, the legal and other expenses of parties 
and any other expenses related to the arbitration; 
(11) “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Commission; 
(12) “dispute” includes any trade dispute as defined wider section 3(2) of the Act; 
(13)  “division concerned” means the division to which business of this Act stands 
allocated; 
(14) “e-commerce” means electronic co mmerce and is understood to mean the 
production, distribution, marketing, sale or delivery of goods and services by 
electronic means; 
(15) “export” is as defined in the Imports and Exports (Control) Act; 1950 (Act No. 
XXXIX of 1950); 
(16) “expert” means a person appointed by the Commission under section 18(2) of 
the Act; 
(17) “final determination” has the meaning set out in section 35 of the Act; 
(18) “freeze” includes any attachment, sealing, prohibiting, holding, controlling or 
managing of any property either through a receiver or otherwise add in case it 
is deemed necessary the disposal thereof by sale or through auction; 
(19) “goods” includes without limitation any tradable item, raw material, product or 
byproduct which is sold for consideration and has an actual or potential customs 
 
Page 7 of 27  
classification; 
(20) “guidelines” mean the Guidelines as may be prescribed by the Commission 
from time to time; 
(21) “ICC” means the International Chamber of Commerce; 
(22) “interim determination” means the interim determination issued under section 
36; 
(23) “import” shall have the same meaning as assigned thereto in the imports and 
Exports (Control) Act, 1950 (Act No. XXXIX of 1950) 
(24) “judge” unless otherwise provided, means a judicial member of a commercial 
bench; 
(25) “judgment” means any decision on the merits given by a court, whatever it 
may be called, including a decree or order, and a determination of costs or 
expenses by the court, and including interim measures of protection; 
(26) “list of black-listed parties” means a list of black-listed parties maintained by 
TDRC as provided in section 53; 
(27) “member” means a member of the Commission and includes the Chairman; 
(28)  “New York Convention ” means the Convention on the Recognition and 
Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards signed at New York on 10th June 1958 
as implemented into the law of Pakistan by the Recognition and Enforcement 
(Arbitration Agreements and Foreign Arbitral Awards) Act, 2011 (Act No.  
XVII of 2011), and any amendment, modification or re-enactment of the same; 
(29)  “party” or “parties” includes any person directly related to a trade dispute; 
(30)  “person” includes, in case of a company or body corporate the sponsors, 
chairman, chief executive, managing director by whatever name called end 
guarantors of the company or body corpo rate and in the case of any firm, 
partnership or sole proprietorship the partners, proprietor or any person having 
any interest in the said fi rm, partnership or proprietorship concern or direction 
or control thereof; 
(31) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules or regulations made under this Act; 
(32) “property” means any or all movable and immovable properties situated within 
or outside Pakistan; 
(33) “regional conciliation committee”  means a committee constituted under 
section 43; 
(34) “regulations” means the regulations made under this Act; 
(35)  “rules” means the rules made under this Act; 
 
Page 8 of 27  
(36)  “secretary” means the secretary appointed under section 27; 
(37) “services” means, without limitation, a service of whatever type or any 
description whether industrial, trade, professional or otherwise; 
(38)  “trade body” means any entity registered for the purpose of managing trading 
matters or registered under the Trade Organizations Act, 2013 (II of 2013); 
(39) “trade dispute” has the meaning set out in sub-section 2 of section 3; 
(40) “UNCITRAL” means the United Nations Commission on International Trade 
Law; 
(41)  “UNCITRAL Conciliation Rules”  means the Conciliation Rules adopted by 
the General Assembly of the United Nations t hrough Resolution 35/52 on the 
4th December, 1980, as amended from time to time; 
(42)  “UNCTAD” means the United Nations Conference  on Trade and  
Development; 
(43) “website” means the website officially maintained by TDRC; 
(44) “WIPO” means the World Intellectual Property Organization; and 
(45) “WTO” means the World Trade Organization. 
3. Scope of application. __ (1) The powers conferred by this Act may be exercised in  
relation to any trade dispute as defined in sub-section (2). 
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a trade dispute means any dispute or complaint concerning, 
relating to or arising out of th e export and import of goods and services, including disputes arising 
with the carrier of the goods, export and import through e-commerce, conducted wholly or partially in 
or otherwise connected with the territory of Pakistan. 
(3) Any of the provisions in this Act may also be applied by agreement of all parties to any 
existing or future trade dispute without any restriction as to territory. 
(4) The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained in any 
other law for the time being in force. 
4. Non-intervention.__ Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time 
being in force in matters governed by this Act, no court or tribunal may intervene except in  the manner 
as provided by this Act. 
PART-II 
The Trade Dispute Resolution Commission (TDRC) 
5. Constitution of the Commission.__ (1) The Federal Government shall, by notification 
in the official Gazette, establish a Commission to be called the Trade Dispute Resolution Commission. 
(2) The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual  succession  and common 
 
Page 9 of 27  
seal, and may sue a nd be sued in its own name and, subject to and for the purpos e of this Act, may 
enter into contracts and may acquire, purchase, take, hold and enjoy moveable and immoveable 
property of every description and may convey, assign, surrender, yield up, charge, mortgage, demise, 
reassign, transfer or otherwise dispose of or deal with any moveable or im moveable property or any 
interest vested in it, upon such terms as it deems fit. 
6. Head office .__ The head office of the Commission shall be at Islamabad a nd the 
Commission may establish and close down offices a t such other places in Pakistan as it considers 
necessary, subject to the approval of the division concerned. 
7. Exclusive jurisdiction of the Commission.__ (1) Within Pakistan, the Commission as 
constituted under this Act shall have exclus ive jurisdiction over all matters with respect to this Act, 
including all issues concerning its interpretation and application. 
(2) Where parties have agreed that disputes between them in respect of  a defined legal 
relationship, whether contractual or not, shall be referred to the Commission under this Act, then such 
disputes shall be settled in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 
8. Composition of the Commission.__ (1) The Commission, constituted under sub - 
section (1) of section 5, shall consist of five members to be appointed by the Federal Government 
(2) Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, increase or decrease 
the number of members, from time to time, as it may consider appropriate. 
(3) The division concerned shall, from amongst the Members of the Commission, appoint 
the Chairman. 
(4) No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalid by, reason  of absence of a 
member or existence of any vacancy among its members or defect in constitution thereof. 
9. Qualification and eligibility of the Commission. __ (1) No person shall be appointed 
as member unless he__ 
(a) is a citizen of Pakistan; 
(b) is holder of master’s degree or sixteen years of education in international trade, 
economics, accountancy, tariffs and trade, international commerce,  business 
law and commercial law or any trade related field; 
(c) have at least twenty years of professional work experience in international trade, 
economics, accountancy, tariffs and trade, international commerce, business 
law and commercial law or any trade related field; and 
(d) is not less than forty-five years of age and not exceeding sixty-two years of age 
at the time of employment. 
(2) Members be chosen from both the public and private sectors, whereby a minimum of 
two members shall be selected from the private sector and a minimum of three members shall be 
selected from the public sector including retired Government servants or in-service officers. 
(3) Every member shall be employed with the Commission on full time basis. 
 
Page 10 of 27  
10. Disqualification.__ (1) No person shall be appointed or continue as member or an 
employee of the Commission, if such person __ 
(a) has been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude; or 
(b) has been or is adjudged insolvent; or 
(c) is incapable of discharging his duties by reason of physical, psychological or 
mental unfitness and has been declared so by a registered medical practitioner 
appointed by the division concerned; or 
(d) fails to disclose any conflict of interest or f ails to do so within the due to  time 
reasonable provided for such disclosure by or  under this Act or any rules, 
regulations or guidelines prescribed from time to time; or 
(e) is guilty of misconduct; or 
(f) ceases to be citizen of Pakistan. 
11. Chairman.__ (1) The Chairman shall be the chief executive of the Commission and 
shall be responsible, along with the members of the Commission, for the swift execution of all 
functions and affairs of the Commission. 
(2) The Chairman may, by general or special order i n writing, subject to such limitations, 
restrictions or conditions as may be specified therein, delegate all or any of his powers and functions 
to any member or the secretary, including the powers delegated to him under section 26. 
12. Acting Chairman.__ At any time when the position of the Chairman is vacant, or  the 
Chairman is unable to perform his functions due to any cause, the division concerned shall appoint any 
member of the Commission to be acting Chairman of the Commission until the appointment or return 
of a Chairman on regular basis. 
13. Term of office.__ (1) The Chairman and members of the Commission shall be appointed 
for a term of three years on such salary, terms and conditions of service as may be prescribed by rules 
but not be less than the MP-I scale of the Government. The tenure of employment will be extendable 
for another three years on satisfactory performance or if necessary —subject to the approval of the 
division concerned. 
(2) The Chairman and members shall be eligible for re-appointment for such term or terms 
but shall cease to hold office on attaining the age of sixty-five years or the expiry of the term, whichever 
is earlier. 
14. Remova1 of members.__ (l) Subject to sub-section (2), the appointment of any member 
or the Chairman may, at any time, be revoked and he may be removed from his office in prescribed 
manner if it is found that such person has become disqualified under sub-section (1) of section 10. 
(2) Unless a disqualification referred to in sub-section (1) arises from the judgment or order 
of a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction under any relevant provision of applicable law, a 
member or the Chai rman shall not be removed or his appointment shall not be revoked wit hout an 
enquiry by an impartial person or body of persons constituted in accordance with such procedure as 
may be prescribed by rules and after providing a reasonable opportunity to the member or the Chairman 
to be heard in defense. 
 
Page 11 of 27  
(3) A member or the Chairman may resign from his office at any time by notice in writing 
addressed to the division concerned. 
(4) A vacancy in the Commission caused by the death, resignation or re moval of any , 
member or the Chairman shall be filled within thirty days of the occurrence of such vacancy. 
15. Trade Dispute Resolution Fund.__ (1) There shall be established a non-lapsable fund 
to be known as the Trade Dispute Resolution Fund which shall vest in the Commission, and shall be 
utilized by the Commission, as may be necessary, for the purpose of carrying out its functions under 
this Act and for the welfare of the employees of the Commission. 
(2) The Fund shall consist of __ 
(a) five hundred million Rupees as initial seed money by division concerned; 
(b) yearly budgetary allocations or grants by the division concerned; 
(c) aid and donations from national or international agencies with the approval of 
the division concerned; 
(d) revenue earned from the levy of charges, fees, penalties, etc; 
(e) income and profits derived from investments; 
(f) all other sums which may in any manner be come payable t o or vested in the 
Commission; and 
(g) any fees or charg es that the Commission may charge from other regulatory  
agencies for expertise rendered in a particular field. 
(3) The Commission may levy such charges or fees for services and facilities as may be 
prescribed from time to time. 
(4) The Commission may subject to the Public Finance Management Act, 2019 open a nd 
maintain Accounts, in local and foreign currency, in any scheduled bank in Pakistan. 
16. Accounts and audit.__ (1) The Commission shall cause proper accounts to be kept and, 
as soon as, practicable after the end of each financial year, shall cause to be prepared for that financial 
year a statement of accounts which sh all include a balance sheet and an account of income and 
expenditure. 
 (2) Within sixty days after the end of each financial year, the Commission’s annual 
financial statements shall be audited by the Auditor -General of Pakistan or by a firm of chartered 
accountants nominated by the Auditor-General of Pakistan. 
(3)  The auditors shall make a report to the Commission upon the balance sheet and accounts 
and in such report they shall state whether in their opinion the balance she et is a full and fair balance 
sheet containing all necessary particulars and properly drawn up so as to exhibit a true and correct 
view of the affairs of the Commission and, in case they have called for any explanation or information 
from the Commission, whether it has been given and whether it is satisfactory. 
17. Annual report .__ Within ninety days from the end of each financial year, the 
 
Page 12 of 27  
Commission shall submit to the division concerned an annual report of its work and activities including 
all reports on negotiations, referrals, determinations, advocacies conducted, training and policy 
recommendations. 
18. Appointments  by Commission .__ (1) The Commission  may appoint such officers, 
officials, advisers and consultants, etc. as it considers necessary to exercise such powers and perform 
such functions as may be prescribed by the Commission. 
(2) The Commission may from time to time, by notification in the official Gazette on such 
eligibility criteria, method of appointment and on such terms and conditions as may be  prescribed by 
regulations, appoint two experts for the purposes of resolving any dispute which required the 
appointment of such experts if so required by the Commission. 
(3) The Commission ma y, by notification in the official Gazette, make regulations in 
respect of the terms and conditions of service of its employees, officers, officials, advisers and 
consultants. 
19. Meetings of Commission .__ (1) Subject to this section, the Chairman may conv ene 
such meetings of the Commission at such times and places as he considers necessary for the efficient 
performance of the functions of the Commission. 
(2) The Chairman shall preside at every meeting of the Commission and in the absence of 
Chairman, members present may elect among themselves a member to preside at the meeting. 
(3) At any meeting of the Commission, the quorum shall be fifty percent of the members 
present and a fraction shall be rounded as one. 
(4) All questions arising at any meeting of the  Commission s hall be determined by a 
majority of votes of the members present and voting. 
(5) In the event of an equality of votes, the Chairman or member presiding shall have a 
casting vote. 
(6) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Chairman may give  directions regarding the 
procedure to be followed at or in connection with any meeting of the Commission. 
20. Disclosure of interest by members.__ (1) For the purpose of this and the next following 
section, a person shall be deemed to have an interest  in a matter if he has any interest, pec uniary or 
otherwise, in such matter which could reasonably be regarded as giving  rise to  a conflict between his 
duty to honestly perform his functions  under this Act and such interest,  so that his ability to consider 
and decide any question impartially or to give any advice without bias, may reasonably  be regarded 
as impaired. 
(2) A member having any interest  in any matter to be discussed or decided by the 
Commission shall, prior to any discussion of the matter, disclose in writing to the Commission the fact 
of his interest and the nature thereof. 
(3) A disclosure of interest under sub -section (2) shall be rec orded in t he-minutes of the 
Commission, p rior t o any discussion of , or decision on, the matter and, after the disclosure, the 
member__ 
(a) shall not, save in the cases provided in sub -sections (4) to (6), take part nor be present 
 
Page 13 of 27  
in any deliberation or decision of the Commission; and 
(b) shall be disregarded for the purpose of constitution of a quorum of the Commission. 
(4) If a member is not the Chairman and the Chairman becomes aware that a member ha s 
a conflict of interest, the Chairman shall,__ 
(a) if he considers that the member should not take part, or continue to take part, as 
the case may require, in determining the matter, direct the member accordingly; 
or 
(b) in any other case, cause the member’s interest to be disclosed to the persons 
concerned in the matter including any person w hose application is pending 
decision or adjudication by the Commission, the member in respect of whom a 
direction has been given under clause (a) shall comply with the direction. 
(5) If the member is the Chairm an, he shall disclose his interest to the persons concerned 
in the matter including any person whose application is pending decision or adjudication by the 
Commission. 
(6) Subject to sub -section (4), the Chairman or t he member who has any interest in any 
matter referred to in this section shall not take part, or continue to take part, as the case may require, 
in determining the matter unless everyone concerned consents to the Chairman or, as the case may be, 
the member so taking part. 
21. Conflict of interest by staff of Commission.__ (1) Where a person who, in the course 
of__ 
(a) performing a function, or exercising a power, as an officer of the Commission; 
(b) performing functions or service as an employee; or 
(c) performing a function or services in any capacity by way to assisting or advising 
the Commission, or any officer of the Commission, is required to consider a 
matter in which he has an interest, 
such person shall forthwith give to the Commission a written notice stating that he is required to 
consider the matter and has an interest in it and setting out particulars of the interest 
(2) The person referred to in sub -section (1) shall also declare his interest in accordance 
with the said sub-section whenever it is necessary to avoid the conflict of interest. 
22.   Officers and employees, etc., to be public servants. __ The Charman,  members and 
employees of the Commission authorized to perform any function or exercise any  power under this 
Act shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code 
(Act XLV of 1860). 
PART-III 
Functions and powers of the Commission 
23. Functions of the Commission .__ (1) Subject to this Act, the Commission shall be 
 
Page 14 of 27  
responsible for performance of following functions, namely:__ 
(a) initiation of proceedings in relation to trade disputes that may arise between 
parties and make orders and determinations in such manner and form as may be 
prescribed; 
(b) provision of a comprehensive regime for the swift and effective resolution of 
disputes relating to the international trade in goods and services, including__ 
(i) provision and facilitation of a fo rum for negotiatio ns, referral and 
allocation system, as provided in this Act, to allow a nd facilitate local 
and foreign importers and exporters access to a range of mechanisms; 
(ii) the issuance of final determination by the Commission itself; 
(iii) conciliation in accordance with UNCITRAL Conciliation Rules; 
(iv) arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act, 1940 , (Act No. X of 
1940) as amended from time to time; 
(v) resolution of a t rade dispute by a commercial bench of the High Court 
in accordance with Part VIII of this Act; and 
(vi) other co-operation and assistance by the Commission or representative 
offices, embassies and missions abroad or otherwise. 
(c) rendering advice to parties in relation to any proposed action to be taken by such 
parties and ensurin g that such actions are coherent and consistent with the 
provisions of this Act, rules, regulations or guidelines made hereunder; 
(d) monitoring of the conduct of dispute resolution mechanisms and intervention in 
the event of delay; 
(e) maintaining the hig hest standards of integrity amongst all mediators, 
conciliators and arbitrators; 
(f) establishing and promoting arbitration and alternative dispute resolution 
institutions within Pakistan; and 
(g) maintaining a collated database of all the chambers of commerce in the country 
as well as of the trade bodies and registering any disputes that have been filed 
with these trade bodies. 
(2) The Commission shall promote fair trade through advocacy which, among others, shall 
include__ 
(a) reviewing existing trade policy framework in relation to strategic policies that 
are being implemented at a state level and making such beneficial  
recommendations to the division concerned; 
(b) to engage in capacity -building, training and consultation serv ices for the 
development and promotion of international standards and best practices in 
 
Page 15 of 27  
international trade, dispute resolution and all matters incidental thereto. 
The Commission shall endeavor to train commercial counselor and community 
welfare attaches deputed abroad so that they are equipped to handle disputes or 
any matters related thereto whose performance shall be monitored and evaluated 
from time to time; 
(c) holding seminars and workshops addressing the trade dispute issues in Pakistan 
and harvestin g an environment of open debate on regulating commercial 
behavior of stakeholders, which will improve the trade relationships with other 
countries; and 
(d) ensuring that the Commission’s website shall post information pertaining to all 
sessions and worksho ps, rules, regulations and any guidelines that the 
Commission may issue for the benefit of the public at large. 
(3) Subject to this Act, the Commission shall take all measures necessary__ 
(a) to facilitate and enhance international trade involving local and foreign entities; 
(b) to bridge the trust deficit between local and foreign businessmen through 
providing parties a forum for an effective and effic ient dispute resolution 
mechanism; 
(c) to improve the international standing and reputation of Pakistan in matters of 
trade, as a reliable trading destination; 
(d)  to further develop and harness a mutually beneficial trade relationship between 
TDRC and its counterparts and in other countries; and 
(e) to ensure that any di sputes that may arise between parties are resolved in  such 
manner and form as may be prescribed from time to time. 
24. Power to acquire information.__ (1) The Commission shall have the power, on its own 
motion, to solicit or call upon any information in relation to any proceedings at hand, for the purposes 
of executing its functions, from any ministry, division, Federal o r Provincial department, trade body, 
private or public entity, etc. 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law fo r the time being in 
force, any confidential information obtained or received, directly or indi rectly, by the  Commission 
pursuant to or in connection with any proceedings before it, shall not be subject to d isclosure to any 
ministry, department, division, agency or on direction of the division concerned, without the prior 
consent of the party submitting such information. 
(3) Except as otherwise provided by this Act, or any law in force, or order of the court, the 
Commission, shall give Access to information to parties, in such manner and form as may be 
prescribed. 
25. Power of the Commission as civil court. __ (1) For the purpose of performing its 
functions under this Act and the rules made there-under, the Commission shall have the same powers 
as vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), with respect to the 
following matters, namely:__ 
 
Page 16 of 27  
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any witness and examining him on 
oath; 
(b) enforcing the supply of any document or instrument, either in hard copy o r 
electronic format; 
(c) requisitioning any document or instrument which is available in the public  
record from any court or office; and  
(d)  accepting evidence on affidavits. 
(2) Any proceeding before the Commission shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding 
within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860) and the 
Commission shall be deemed to be a Civil Court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter =XXXV 
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898). 
26. Delegation of powers.__ The Commission may, by general or special order in writing 
subject to such limitations, restrictions or Conditions as may be specified  therein, delegate all or any 
of its powers and functions to one or more of its members or one or more of the officers, employees, 
experts, consultants or agents of the Commission and the Commiss ion may at any time revoke such 
authority at its own discretion: 
Provided that powers conferred under sections 60, 61 and 62 shall not be delegated under this 
section. 
27. Administration and secretariat of the Commission.__ (1) The trade dispute resolution 
organization (TDRO) shall be the secretariat of the Commission and the executive director general  
TDRO  shall  be  ex-officio secretary of the Commission. 
(2) The secretary to the Commission shall__ 
(a) hold in custody, at all material time, the records and seal of the Commission; 
(b) ensure the timely payment of salaries and allowances of officers , experts, 
consultants and employees of the Commission; 
(c) propose budget estimates to the Commission and take such actions  to ensure 
that the Commission is satisfied with the same; 
(d) receive applications filed by parties and ensure that the same are presented to 
the Commission for review, in a timely manner; and 
(e) perform all other functions and duties as may be prescribed, from time to time. 
PART-IV 
Referral, Allocation and Proceedings for Dispute Resolution 
28. Referral of trade disputes to the Commission.__ (1) Any trade dispute__ 
(a) within the scope of application of this Act as set out in section 3; and 
 
Page 17 of 27  
(b) involving claims of not less than the minimum value, i n cash or kind, as 
prescribed from time to time in the rules, may be referred to the Commission by 
any party or parties, to the dispute, in accordance with section 29, for resolution 
under this Act. 
(2) Where a party to the dispute is located outside Pakistan, it may make a referral pursuant 
to sub-section (1) to the Pakistan embassy or mission, abroad, which shall be empowered to collect all 
relevant documentation and facilitate the party in filing the dispute with the Commission. 
(3) The Commission shall be entitled to refuse any referral, if__ 
(a) any requirements of this Act have not been satisfied; 
(b) the existence of competing proceedings elsewhere, or the availability of a 
competent forum elsewhere, renders acceptance of a referral inappropriate: or 
(c) the claim is manifestly frivolous or abusive, or involves any fraud, illegality or 
other wrongdoing. 
29. Requirement of a written application .__ (1) A trade dispute complaint shall only be 
accepted under section 28, if it is made through a written application by one or more parties to the 
dispute. 
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall__ 
(a) be submitted to the Commission in such manner , number and fo rm and with 
such fee as may be prescribed by regulations; 
(b) include supporting evidence for the claim made by the party, as is reasonably 
available to the applicant; and 
(c) contain such further information as may be prescribed. 
30. Review of the complaint .__ (1) The Commission shall examine the application to 
determine whether it is compliant with the requirements of section 28 read with section 29 and the 
evidence provided with the application is Sufficient to establish a prima facie  case to justify the 
initiation of dispute resolution proceedings as provided under this Act. 
(2) An application shall be rejected as soon as the Commission is satisfied that sufficient 
evidence is not available to initiate dispute resolution mechanism. The Commission shall, for rejection 
of the application, provide detailed written reasons to the applicant. 
31. Notice to appear.__ (1) Upon acceptance of the application, the Commission shall give 
prompt notice to the party against  whom the  complaint has been filed in  respect  of the trade dispute, 
to appear before the Commission so that an allocation may be made in accordance with section 33. 
(2) The Commission shall also inform the relevant government of the country to which the 
party or parties belong, with a request that the copy of the complaint be also forwarded to the party to 
the dispute. 
(3) Any person duly authorized by a party shall be entitled to appear , plead and act on 
behalf of such party before the Commission. 
 
Page 18 of 27  
32. Withdrawal of application .__ (1) An application made  under section 29 may be 
withdrawn at any time before an allocation has been made pur suant to section 33 and section 34, in 
which case it shall be considered not to have been made: 
Provided that upon the withdrawal of an application any fe e paid along with the application 
pursuant to clause (a) of sub -section (2) of section 29, shall stand forfeited in favour of the 
Commission. 
33. Allocation by the Commission .__ (1) When  the  parties  to  the trade dispute appear 
before the Commission, the Commission__ 
 
(a) shall seek to resolve the trade disput e by assisting the parties in conducting 
negotiations between themselves in order to arrive at an amicable settlement , 
within thirty days of the first appearance of the parties before the Commission; 
or 
(b) in the event where, according to clause (a), efforts to resolve the trade dispute 
through negotiations fail, shall assess the quantum of the claim and if it satisfies 
the minimum threshold, as may be prescribed by rules for the suit to be filed in 
the commercial bench of the High Court, the Commission shall refer the matter 
to a commercial bench of a High Court pursuant to section 52; or 
(c) in the event that the quantum of the claim does not meet the minimum threshold 
required for the suit to be filed in the commercial bench of the High Court, shall 
seek consent of the parties to do any one or more of the following, in any order, 
namely:__ 
(i) refer the dispute to conciliation in accordance with section 42; or 
(ii) refer the dispute to arbitration in accordance with section 48; or 
(iii) Initiate proceedings to reach a final determination. 
(d) in the case of any reference made under clause (c), direct at any stage that the 
matter be finally resolved within a specified time period, or 
(2) If any time limit imposed under clause (d) of sub-section (1) is not complied with, and 
unless othe rwise agreed by all parties to the dispute at any time, the conciliation or arbitration 
proceedings shall be terminated and the matter shall then revert to the Commission, pending any further 
direction by the Commission; or 
(3) Any time limit imposed under clause (d) of sub -section (1) may be extended at any 
stage by direction of the Commission, or by agreement of all Parties, which shall be notified to the 
Commission in writing. 
(4) In exercising its discretion under sub -sections (1), (2) and (3), the Commission shall 
take into account__ 
(a) the amount in dispute: 
 
Page 19 of 27  
(b) the nature and legal or factual complexity of the dispute; 
(c) the location of the parties; and 
(d) the commercial position as between the parties and any particular requirements 
they may have with respect to dispute resolution  such as speed, cost 
effectiveness, confidentiality and enforceability. 
34. Self-allocation by the Commission.__ If the parties to the trade dispute are unable to 
agree on any of the resolution methods stated wider sub-clauses (i) and (ii) of sub-section (1) of section 
33, within thirty days of the suggested allocation by the Commission, or one more of the parties against 
whom complaint has been filed fails to appear at the date notified by the Commission in the notice to 
appear, the Commission may then initiate proceedings and reach a final determination in accordance 
with Part-V. 
PART-V 
Determinations of the Commission 
35. Final determination passed by the Commission.__ (1) The Commission shall reach a 
final determination in relation to any  trade  dispute within the scope of application of this Act as set 
out in section 3,  where  parties have opted for settlement of the trade dispute through  a final  
determination  by  the Commission or the Commission has assumed allocation thereof. 
2. The final determination shall be made after the Commission has__ 
(a) provided ample opportunities to the parties to present their case through__ 
(i) hearings, which may be conducted via video-conferencing or other 
audio-visual means, as may be determined by the Commission; 
(ii) written submissions; and 
(iii) filing of any other document that the parties may feel relevant; 
(b) reviewed all relevant documents forming part of the documents su bmitted by 
the parties. and 
(c) reviewed any other document that the Commission may prepare during the 
proceedings. 
(3) Upon initiation of proceedings for final determination, the Commission shall 
immediately inform parties and their respective governments of the initiation of proceedings and invite 
them to participate and defend their interests. 
(4) The Commission shall, except in special circumstances, reach its final determination 
within a period of four months and in no case more than six months after initiation of Proceedings. 
(5) The Commission shall, while making a final determination, provide a time period to the 
parties to comply with the findings made in the final determination, failing which the Commission 
may include the name of the defaulting party in the list of black-listed parties as provided for in section 
53 or take any other measure or action as deemed appropriate by the Commission, within the ambit of 
 
Page 20 of 27  
this Act. 
36. Power to issue interim determination.__ Where,  during  the  course of any proceeding 
under this Act,  the Commission  is of  the opinion  that the passing of a final determination in the 
proceedings is likely  to take time and that, in the situation that exists or is likely to emerge, serious  or  
irreparable damage m ay occur and an interim determination is necessary  in  the interest  of one or 
more of the parties to the trade dispute,  it  may,  after  hearing  the  party issue an interim determination 
directing any party to do or refrain from doing or continuing to do any act or thing specified in the 
interim determination. 
37. Powers.__ For the purposes of passing a final determination under this Part, the 
Commission shall have power to refer the matter to, and seek assistance from,__ 
(a) any department or agency of the Government; 
(b) any regional or local bod y or regional or local chamber of commerce or other 
equivalent entity; 
(c) any court or tribunal; 
(d) any bank, financial institution, person, authority, institution or department in the 
public or private sector; 
(e) any trade officers aboard, Pakistan embassy or mission abroad; or 
(f) any other entity, institution or agency within or outside Pakistan. 
38. Extent of powers .__ The powers provided for in this part may be exercised within 
Pakistan and, in so far as permitted by local law , in any foreign jurisdiction, with or without the 
assistance of any Pakistan embassy or mission abroad. 
39. Failure of parties to respond.__ In the event that any one or more of the parties against 
whom a complaint has b een filed under section 29, fails to appear at the date notified by the 
Commission in the notice to appear , the Commission may nevertheless proceed towards passing a 
binding and valid final determination. 
40. Declarations, directions and recommendations .__ The Commission may, in its final 
determination,__ 
(a) make a declaration as to any matter referred to the Commission, including but 
not limited to a declaration__ 
(i) as to any party’s misconduct or liability: 
(ii) that the complaint is unfounded or that any allegation be dismissed; and 
(iii) that, for any reason , no action is required to be taken in respect of the 
matter referred; 
(b) direct that the referral to Commission be terminated without imposing any 
terms; 
 
Page 21 of 27  
(c) direct that the referral to Commission be terminated or stayed on te rms 
including, without limitation__ 
(i) the conclusion of a consent order by any party to the dispute or 
complaint against whom adverse findings have or may be made; 
(ii) the conclusion of a consent order by all rele vant parties by which the 
matter be referred to conciliation, arbitration, adjudication or any other 
forum; or 
(iii) the conclusion of a settlement agreement by all relevant Parties; 
(d) require a party to the dispute or complainant to do or refrain from doing any act 
or thing; 
(e) order such party to pay a fine as may be prescribed from time to time; 
(f) freeze or attach any property belonging to the party in question or any person 
controlling the party in question: 
(g) permanently or temporarily seize exp orts of exporter from Pakistan through 
Customs authorities; 
(h) request the relevant authorities of the country of exporter for immediate 
resolution of the dispute; and 
(i) any other measures that the Commission might deem fit. 
41. Appeal against Commission’s final determinations.__ Any party aggrieved by final 
determination of the Commission may, within fifteen days of the receipt thereof prefer an appeal to 
the commercial bench of the High Court concerned against such order. 
PART-VI 
Conciliation of trade disputes 
42. Referral to conciliation.__ (1) Any trade dispute within the scope of application of this 
Act shall be referred by the Commission under sub-clause (i) of clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 
(33) to conciliation, with the consent of the party or parties to the dispute. 
(2) The conciliators shall in the prescribed manner conduct the proceedings in respect of 
the trade dispute referred under sub-section (1). 
43. Regional conciliation committees. __ (1) The Commission may from time to time 
constitute and register regional conciliation committees. 
(2) Each regional conciliation committee shall__ 
(a) comprise conciliators as provided in the list pursuant to section 45; 
(b) provide conciliation for the amicable settlement of trade disputes: 
(c) be an entity for which the government shall have no liability whatsoever with 
 
Page 22 of 27  
regard to its composition, functioning, role or any act or omission; and 
(d) be constituted and function in accordance with terms of reference which the 
Commission shall notify from time to time. 
44. Detailed directions and guidelines. __ The Commission may from time to time issue 
directions and guidelines detailing  the  procedure  for  the conduct of conciliations. 
45. Approved conciliators.__ (1) The Commission shall maintain, in consultation with the 
regional or local chamber of commerce, registers of approved and disapproved conciliators as amended 
from time to time at its offices as well as on its website and parties by consent may choose one or more 
conciliator for resolution of trade dispute. Any such list, of approved and disapproved conciliators if 
also maintained by trade bodies shall be shared with the Commission so that a collated list may be 
prepared and maintained by the Commission. 
(2) In case, parties are unable to c hoose a conciliator, the Commission  shall appoint the 
same as it may deem appropriate, keeping in view the nature, complexity and legal disposition of the 
dispute. 
46. Completion of conciliation.__ (1) Upon successful completion of conciliation, where 
parties have reached an amicable solution, parties shall execute an agreement to evidence the same and 
a copy thereof shall be filed with the Commission. 
(2) If conciliation fails, parties shall have t he option to refer the matter back to the 
Commission for another referral or initiation of proceedings by the Commission for making a final 
determination. 
PART-VII 
Arbitration of trade disputes 
 
47. References to arbitration.__ Parties may agree  at  any  time  to refer existing or future 
disputes to arbitration pursuant  to  the  procedures  laid down under the Arbitration Act, 1940 (X of 
1940), or such other law for the time being in force. 
 
48. Approved arbitrators.__ (1) The Commission shall maintain, in consultation with the 
regional or local chamber of commerce, registers of approved and disapproved arbitrators as amended 
from time to time at its offices as well as its website and parties by consent may choose one or mor e 
arbitrators for resolution of trade dispute. Any such list of approved and disapproved arbitrators if also 
maintained by trade bodies shall be shared with the Commission so that a collated list may be prepared 
and maintained by the Commission. 
(2) In case, parties are unable to choose an arbitrator, the Commission shall appoint the 
same as it may deem appropriate, keeping in view the nature, c omplexity and legal disposition of the 
dispute. 
PART-VIII 
Commercial Benches of the High Court 
49. Constitution of commercial benches.__ There shall be in each High Court, one or more 
 
Page 23 of 27  
benches, known as a commercial bench, to be co nstituted by the Chief Justice of the H igh Court 
concerned to exercise the jurisdiction vested in the High Court under this Act. 
50. References to a commercial bench .__ (1) Any trade dispute wi thin the scope of this 
Act as set out in section 3 may be referred by Commission to the commercial bench based on the 
quantum of the dispute meeting the minimum threshold as provided for in section 33. 
(2) The commercial bench shall decide the dispute within a period of four months from the 
date of referral of the dispute by the Commission. 
(3) The High Court shall make rules for filing  of suits, applications or, appeals before 
commercial benches. 
PART-IX 
Domestic and International Assistance by the Commission 
51. Powers in relation to assistance by the Commission .__ In  addition to the powers 
conferred by other pa rts of this Act, the Co mmission may pro vide any other form of assistance in 
relation to the resolution of any trade dispute within the scope of applicatio n of his Act as set out in 
section 3. Such assistance may include, without limitation,__ 
(a) maintaining and publishing a list of black -listed parties on its website, 
comprising those parties who have failed to comply with the findings made by 
the Commission pursuant to a final  determination. The Commission shall 
remove the name of the Party upon redressal and compliance with the findings 
made in the final determination. Such black -list may be circulated amongst all 
relevant chambers of commerce locally as well as abroa d and these foreign 
chambers may be requested to share they black -list, or, its equivalent, if a ny, 
with the Commission so that the same may also be uploaded on the website; 
(b) maintaining a database of high-risk places, being international locations with a 
high prevalence of disputes, or fraud or other lack of security in their domestic 
or international markets along with unsatisfactory dispute resolution 
mechanisms; 
(c) intervention before other forums, whether as amicus curiae or otherwise, in any 
proceedings concerning a trade dispute to expedite the s ame or to provide 
expertise or for any other reason; 
(d) taking any available step before any for um or with any agency, including but 
not limited to the entering into bilateral agreements with other governments to 
secure the enforcement of any agreement, award, judgment, order, direction or 
adjudication; 
(e) assisting with the service of documents including in foreign jurisdictions 
through embassies, missions or other agencies abroad; 
(f) assisting with the  taking of evidence abroad whether through embassies or  
missions or otherwise; 
(g) making representations to, seeking assistance from or liaising with any 
 
Page 24 of 27  
governmental department, division, institution or agency; 
(h) publishing any allegations, orders or findings in the official Gazette or any local 
newspapers and the website; 
(i) cooperating with any authority or international organization in Pakistan or 
abroad in any program or agreement for the resolution of trade disputes or 
related issues; and 
(j) ensuring that for the promulgation of better trade relations with other countries, 
the Commission shall conduct regular meetings with other WTO member 
countries to ensure that all forms of facilitation and assistance is provided, if so 
required. 
52. Extent of powers.__ The Commission may exercise its powers under section 51 within 
Pakistan and in a ny foreign jurisdiction with or without the assistance of any Pakistan embassy or 
mission abroad in so far as permitted by local law of foreign country. 
PART-X 
Capacity Building, Training and Consultation Service 
53. Promotion of alternative trade dispute resolution  mechanisms.__ (1) The 
Commission may, from time to time, provide capacity building, training and consultation services for 
the development and promotion of internat ional standards and best practi ces in international trade, 
dispute resolution and all matters incidental thereto including without limitation to__ 
(a) establishing and maintaining support desks and other facilities nationally, in 
major cities across Pakistan, and internationally in Pakistan embassies and 
missions abroad; 
(b) entering   into   arrangements    with   foreign    agenci es    or   international 
organizations for the exchange of information, technical know -how, expertise 
and capacity building; 
(c) maintaining databases and other publicly accessible information resources; 
(d) organizing and participating in international seminars, meetings, workshops, 
conferences and training, education and awareness programs; 
(e) participating in and liaising with international bodies and agencies concerned 
with the harmonization and reform of international trade la ws and practices 
including UNCITRAL, UNCTAD ,WTO,WIPO and the ICC; 
(f) designing and conducting programs for continuing professional development; 
(g) provision of certifying programs, courses and trainings for mediators, 
conciliators and arbitrators; 
(h) conducting and publishing research; 
(i) developing and publi shing model clauses and contracts, standard import and 
 
Page 25 of 27  
export documents and proced ures, model dispute resolution clauses and other 
materials in accordance with this Act; 
(j) advising the Federal and Provincial Governments on trade and dispute 
resolution po licies, the negotiation of international trade agreements, the  
harmonization of trade laws, contract enforcement and quality Assurance and 
all matters ancillary thereto; and  
(k) advising any person with respect to compliance with the provisions of Act. 
(2) The Commission may, from time to time for their capacity building, undertake steps to 
establish and promote mediation, conciliation and arbitration institutions and other related  services 
within Pakistan. 
PART-XI 
Supplemenary Provisions 
54. Common seal.__ (1) The Commission shall have a common seal which shall be kept in 
the custody of the Chairman or such other person as may be prescribed through  regulations by the 
Commission. 
(2) Documents required or permitted to be executed under the seal shall be specified and 
authenticated in such manner as may be prescribed through regulations by the Commission. 
55. Service, of notices and other documents. __ For the purpose of this Act any notice,  
requisition, letter or order required to be served o n an undertaking shall be treated as properly served 
on the undertaking, if such service is made in the manner prescribed for the service of a  summons 
under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908) or, as may be prescribed by rules. 
56 Fines and p enalties.__ (1) For the recovery of any amount from a party that has 
complied with an order of the Commission, the Commission may serve upon the concerned person a 
copy of the notice as may be prescribed by rules requiring such person to pay the said amount within 
the time specified in the notice. 
(2) If the amount referred to in the notice under sub -section (1) is not paid within the 
specified time, the Commission may proceed to recover the said amount from the party in default, in 
any one or more of the following manners, namely:__ 
(a) attachment of immovable or sale of any moveable property, including bank 
account of the party; 
(b)  appointment of a receiver for the management of the movable or immoveable 
property of the party; 
(c) recovery of the amount as arrears of land revenue through the district revenue 
officer; 
(d) require any of the following, by notice in writing, the person to deduct and pay 
the sum specified in the notice on or before such date as may be so specified, 
namely:__ 
 
Page 26 of 27  
(i) from whom any money is due or may become due to the party; 
(ii) who holds, or controls the receipt or disposal of o r may subsequently 
hold, or control the receipt or disposal of, any money belonging to the 
party or on account of the party; or 
(iii) who is responsible for the payment of any sum to the party. 
(3) Any bank, receiver, district revenue o fficer or person who has paid any sum in 
compliance with a notice under sub -section (2) shall be deemed to have paid such a sum to the 
Commission in respect of the party and the receipt of the Commission shall constitute a good and 
sufficient discharge of t he liability of such bank, receiver, district revenue officer o r person to the 
extent of the sum referred to in such receipt. 
(4) If any bank, receiver, district revenue officer or undertaking on whom a notice is served, 
fails to attach, receive, recover, deduct and pay, as the case may be, the mount specified in the said 
notice, such bank, receiver, district revenue officer or undertaking shall be treated as a defalter and the 
amount specified in the said notice shall be recoverable from there, as the case be, by the Commission 
in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 
(5) The Commission may, by order, direct any bank, receiver, district revenue officer or 
person which is defaulter as referred to in sub -section (4), to pay by way of penalty, such sum as   
specified in the order, after giving to the bank, receiver, district revenue officer or person an 
opportunity of being heard, if it determines that such bank, receiver, District Revenue Officer or Person 
has willfully failed to comply with the order of the Commission. 
(6) For the proposes of recovery of the amount under sub-section (2), the Commission shall 
have the same powers as a Civil Court conferred on it under the Code of Civil Pr ocedure, 1908 (Act 
V of 1908). 
(7) The Commission may seek the assistance of regulatory bodies, including the State  
Bank, to impose penalties as well as recover fines from defaulting parties.  
(8) The Commission may issue guidelines regulating the procedure for the recovery of 
amounts under this section and any other matters connected with or incidental to the operation of this 
section. 
(9) Subject to the Public Finance Management Act, 2019, all penalties and fines recovered 
under this Act shall be deposited in account maintained by the Commission. 
57. Failure to disclose correct information.__ Any Person who knowingly and willfully 
provides false, misleading or incorrect information to the Commission whether in an application 
received under this Act or otherwise in connection with any proceedings under this Act, shall be guilty 
of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to three 
years, or a fine not exceeding five million rupees, or both. 
58. Power to make rules and regulati ons.__ (1) The F ederal Government may, by 
notification in the official Gazette, make in respect of external matters rules for carrying out the 
purposes of this Act. 
(2)  The Commission shall, by notification in the official Gazette, make in respect of  its 
internal matters regulations in consultation with the division concerned for carrying out  the purposes 
 
Page 27 of 27  
of this Act. 
59. Power to issue guidelines.__ The Commission shall  from time to time, without 
prejudice to the rules and regulations make under section 58, issue guidelines for the parties for 
carrying out the purposes of this Act. 
60. Removal of difficulties.__ If a difficulty arises in giving effect to any provisions of this 
Act, the Commission may make such order, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as may 
appear to it to be necessary for the purpose of removing the difficulty. 
61. Authorities to a ssist and aid Commission .__ All law enforcement agencies a nd 
authorities in the Federation and the Provinces shall be under an obligation to provide and render full 
and complete assistance to the Commission as and when the secretariat thereof may require  such 
assistance. 
62. Immunity.__ No suit, prosecution or any other proceedings shall lie against the Federal 
Government, Provincial Government, Chairman, members or a ny other officer, expert, consultant of 
the Commission, or any other person, in relation to any act or omission in the exercise of powers and 
duties under this Act, rules, regulations or guidelines made hereunder, save for conscious and 
deliberate wrongdoing. 
63. Repeal.__ Sections 5A, 5B and 5C of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950 (Act 
No. XXXIX of 1950) are hereby repealed. 
 
 
________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         RGN Uploaded on 1.1.2024