Distinguished for advising on complex projects with a multi-jurisdictional aspect, Akhund Forbes has been at the helm of many recent, large-scale public sector infrastructure projects in Pakistan and is notable for advising the government of Sindh on landmark sanitation projects in the region. Karachi-based Rabel Akhund leads the team alongside Sahar Iqbal, who is a principal figure in the projects and infrastructure field.
Projects and energy in Pakistan
Akhund Forbes
Praxisleiter:
Rabel Akhund; Sahar Iqbal
Referenzen
‘Akhund Forbes provided quality feedback that was timely and effective.’
‘Rabel Akhund always provided professional services for us.’
‘The team is very supportive and is present for the client whenever required. They are willing to go above and beyond to offer the best service.’
Kernmandanten
Privatisation Commission, Government of Pakistan
China Power Hub Generation Company (Private) Limited
Zhong Lun Law Firm
Government of Sindh
Gemini Office Services UK Limited
edotco Pakistan Pvt Limited
Edotco Group SDN Berhad
Edotco Towers (Private) Limited
Meta
JunHe LLP
Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited
Baker & McKenzie
China Development Bank
FenXun Partners
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership
Sindh Solid Waste Management Board
Ghani Builders & Developers
Punjab Central Business District Development Authority
Alpha Beta Core Pvt Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Sindh Solid Waste Management Board on the legal aspects of the integrated solid waste management project for urban areas of Sindh, as well as waste to energy conversion projects.
- Advising the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority on the legal aspects of a proposal from a potential investor for the development of a landmark project in Lahore.
- Advising Sachal Engineering Works Pvt Ltd on the Ghotki-Khandkot Bridge Project on a key bridge project which is fundamental to the success of the area in an election year for the Province of Sindh.
Haidermota & Co Advocates
Representing major clients across a swathe of sectors and boasting 'broad market knowledge', Haidermota & Co Advocates supports clients on all aspects of project development, from policy and regulatory frameworks, to financing agreements. The team is distinguished for introducing first-of-their-kind projects and its industry expertise in the energy sector, encompassing wind, biomass, bagasse, hydel and waste. The group also advised the Balochistan Government on the implementation of water and mass transit systems. Based in Lahore, the acclaimed Umar Shereef leads the team alongside Owais Aziz, who has a 'deep knowledge of the Pakistani energy sector' and also specialises in public-private partnerships, ESG, and corporate finance matters.
Praxisleiter:
Umar Shereef; Owais Aziz
Referenzen
‘HMCO acts for many sponsors across the Pakistani energy sector. As a result, they have broad market knowledge and contacts across the field, including with the authorities.’
‘Owais Aziz is a trusted advisor with deep knowledge of the Pakistani energy sector and a sound commercial acumen.’
‘We have found Haidermota & Co Advocates to be excellent legal advisors for our company. They have worked on a number of projects for us. As a team they have very good domain knowledge and a culture of responding promptly to the clients calls.’
Kernmandanten
Pak-Arab Refinery Limited
Governance & Policy Project, Balochistan
Local Government Department, Government of Sindh
Ministry of Railways, Government of Pakistan
Sindh Infrastructure Development Company Limited
NED University of Science and Technology, Government of Sindh
Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Government of Sindh through the International Finance Corporation
Javedan Corporation Limited
National Bank of Pakistan
Sindh Economic Zone Management Company
Kainatt Enterprises
Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Government of Sindh through the Asian Development Bank
British International Investment
Act2 Wind (Private) Limited
Gul Ahmed Electric Limited
Metro Wind Power Limited
Liberty Wind Power 1 (Private) Limited
Liberty Wind Power 2 (Private) Limited
NASDA Green Energy (Private) Limited
Artistic Wind Power (Private) Limited
Lucky Renewables (Private) Limited
Din Energy Limited
Amreli Steels Limited
GuarantCo Ltd
United Bank Limited
Habib Bank Limited
Pak Matiari-Lahore Transmission Company (Private) Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Pak-Arab Refinery Limited on all legal matters relating to the establishment of a greenfield Oil Import Terminal in Pakistan in collaboration with national and international partners.
- Advising the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the International Finance Corporation on the country’s first large-scale health sector infrastructure project implemented on public private partnership basis.
- Acting for a consortium of thirteen leading business organisations and individuals on a design, build, develop, finance, operate, market, and transfer model of a 2,000-acre city on a public-private partnership basis with Ravi Urban Development Authority.
Orr, Dignam & Co.
Boasting an established energy practice in the oil and gas sector, Orr, Dignam & Co. has been central to the development of major industrial projects. Of late, the firm has played a leading role in power generation projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and acted on behalf of the Barrick Gold Corporation in one of the largest foreign direct investments in the country’s history. The practice is led by a cohort of Islamabad-based practitioners, Zahir Riaz, Shahid Raza and Umar Shahid, who collectively leverage their vast experience in the project, infrastructure, and energy sector.
Praxisleiter:
Zahir Riaz; Aliya Yusuf; Asim Nasim; Shahid Raza; Umar Shahid
Kernmandanten
Barrick Gold Corporation
Inter State Gas Systems (Private) Limited
Eni S.p.A
Pak-Arab Refinery Company Limited
Pakistan Petroleum Limited
Oil Companies Advisory Council
Foundation Wind Energy-I Limited
Foundation Wind Energy-II Limited
The ExxonMobil Group
Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited
Fauji Foundation
FFBL Power Company Limited
Thar Coal Block-I Power Company Limited
Sino Sindh Resources (Private) Limited
Metro Power Company Limited
CIHC Power Company (Private) Limited
Government Holdings (Private) Limited
Foundation Power Company (Daharki) Limited
Fauji Kabirwala Power Company Limited
Pakistan State Oil
Mari Petroleum Company Limited
Fauji Oil Terminal and Distribution Co. Limited
Fauji Akbar Portia Marine Terminals (Private) Limited
Fauji Cement Company Limited
Sachal Energy Development (Private) Limited
Total Parco Pakistan Limited
Emaar
Pakistan LNG Limited
BB Energy
Louis Dreyfus Company
Tenaga Generasi Limited
BE Energy Limited
Packages Limited
DuPont Pakistan Operation (Pvt.) Ltd
Rousch (Pakistan) Power Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Barrick Gold Corporation in relation to the Reconstituted Reko Diq Project in Balochistan, the largest foreign direct investment ever made in Pakistan.
- Advised ENI, a major oil company, on its divestment from various companies operating in the upstream oil and gas sector.
- Acting on behalf of Inter State Gas Systems (Pvt.) Limited, the state-nominated entity, in the USD10bn Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India gas pipeline project.
Qureshi Law Associates
At the forefront of several groundbreaking power sector deals and acquisitions, Qureshi Law Associates specialises in the power, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors, and is the go-to firm for complicated cases that involve government approval. The practice is headed by Adnan Aslam Qureshi, who has advised on over twenty private power plants and large commercial mining leases.
Praxisleiter:
Adnan Aslam Qureshi
Referenzen
‘Very professional team.’
‘Qureshi Law Associates responded to us in a timely and effective manner.’
‘Available, responsive, hands on and great client service. Former regulator experience is the perfect addition to the incredible technical expertise and commercial approach. Presented insightful solutions to all the challenges we faced.’
Kernmandanten
M/s Solution de Energy (Pvt) Ltd
M/s Red Sea Petroleum (Private) Limited
M/s IPS Solar Park-IPS 22 (Pvt) Ltd
M/s IPS Solar Park- JA 23 (Pvt) Ltd
M/s IPS Solar Park- SB 24 (Pvt) Ltd
M/s Gugera Hydel Power (Pvt) Ltd
M/s Hydrochina Dawood (Pvt) Ltd
Zhong Lun Law Firm (China) for Tianjin Energy Investment Group Co. Ltd
Deheng Law Firm LLP (China) for Sichuan Investment Group Ltd
M/s Soan River Hydel Power Project
M/s Muree Hydropower
RIAA BARKER GILLETTE
RIAA BARKER GILLETTE has played a leading role in Pakistan’s era-defining projects, namely the development of the first independent power project, international airport, and motorway. Boasting ‘in-depth understanding of the energy sector' the team provides clients with wide ranging advice, including on project structuring, EPC contracts, and shareholder agreements. The practice is headed by Hasnain Naqvee, who brings a wealth of experience in power projects and Pakistan’s private power sector. He is aided by Bilal Shaukat, currently advising the Government of Sindh on public private partnership agreements and the development of Dhabeji Special Economic Zone. They are supported by Ahsan Z Rizvi, who specialises in project development and financing documentation in connection with infrastructure and power projects. Yousaf Khosa is another key litigator and leverages his considerable expertise in the telecommunication, oil and gas, and construction sectors.
Praxisleiter:
Hasnain Naqvee
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ahsan Zahir Rizvi; Bilal Shaukat; Yousaf Khosa
Referenzen
‘RIAA has always fostered a good relationship between clients, in-house counsel, and external lawyers by maintaining a prompt and efficient communication channel and a collaborative relationship to reach better levels of trust.’
‘They have a strong commercial knowledge and in-depth understanding of the energy sector and have drafted and negotiated some crucial energy deals with us.’
‘I recommend working with Bilal Shaukat due to his commercial knowledge and in-depth understanding of the energy sector. Further, what is most appreciable is his prompt responses and availability, regardless of whether he is in the country or not. This immediate accessibility has been key in strengthening my relationship and trust with him as the same is considered pivotal for in-house legal department.’
Kernmandanten
KOAK Power Limited
Engro Powergen Qadirpur Limited
Engro Energy Limited
Mira Power Limited
Government of Sindh
Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
China Road and Bridge Corporation
Etihad Power Generation Limited
National Transmission and Despatch Commission
Techno Engineering Services (Private) Limited
Zahir Khan and Brothers
Government of Balochistan
Azad Pattan Power (Private) Limited
S K Hydro (Private) Limited
Nepal Water and Energy Development Company Private Limited
GH2 Industries (Private) Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for Nepal Water and Energy Development Company Private Limited in relation to the development of a hydropower project.
- Assisted China Road and Bridge Corporation, China’s leading state-owned company, in successfully obtaining licenses to distribute and supply electricity in designated territories from the national regulator of electric power.
- Assisting Techno Engineering Services (Private) Limited with drafting project documents.
Farooq, Khan & Mirza (Advocates & Corporate Counsel)
A rapidly growing firm with a particular focus on infrastructure, Farooq, Khan & Mirza (Advocates & Corporate Counsel) specialises in public private partnership projects. The practice is led by founder of the firm Omer Farooq, who leverages his extensive experience in structuring PPP’s in Pakistan’s infrastructure sector, advising on mandates regarding highways, expressways, motorways, toll roads, and bridges; Farooq is praised as ‘the best PPP lawyer in Pakistan‘. He is supported by the ‘fantastic‘ Waleed Arshad, an expert in renewable energy projects involving local and cross-border financing.
Praxisleiter:
Omer Farooq
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Waleed Arshad
Referenzen
‘One of the major strengths of the firm is the availability and involvement of the partners as well as other team members in projects. Timely deliverables are also another strength. They work with you as a partner in the respective project which provides comfort and reassurance.’
‘The experience of the partner in certain sectors, for example, the infrastructure development sector, stands out from competitors. Qualities include timely delivery of tasks as per commitment, involvement in structure and negotiations with clients, and above all, the availability of the partner and team.’
‘Well-versed with the regulatory milieu and intricacies involved with the greenfield infrastructure projects, which enables it to provide solutions acceptable to all parties associated with the deal.’
Kernmandanten
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
The Bank of Punjab
Sialkot Kharian Infrastructure Management (Private) Limited
Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Government of Sindh
Lyari Development Authority, Government of Sindh
Mauripur Expressway Road Concessionaire (Private) Limited
Kainatt Enterprises (Private) Limited
Maqbool Associates (Private) Limited
Hasas Construction (Private) Limited
Swat Motorway and Related Tourism Infrastructure Development (Private) Limited
Zahir Khan & Brothers
The World Bank
Local Government & Housing Town Planning Department, Government of Sindh
International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group
Government of Sindh, Public Private Partnership Unit
Punjab Ring Road Authority
Punjab Ring Road Infrastructure Management and Engineering (Private) Limited
Frontier Works Organization
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Motorway Operation and Rehabilitation Engineering (Private) Limited
Swat Expressway Planning Construction and Operations (Private) Limited
Lahore Sialkot Motorway Infrastructure Management (Private) Limited
Planning & Development Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Habibabad Operation and Management Engineering Company (Private) Limited
Superhighway Construction Operation and Rehabilitation Engineering Company (Private) Limited
National Logistics Cell
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank Group on rehabilitation, expansion, operation and maintenance of airports of Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore under a suitable public private partnership model.
- Advising a syndicate of financial institutions in relation to a financing transaction of a motorway project being implemented on a build-operate-transfer basis under a public private partnership mode.
- Advising a consortium of companies and bidders on a project to rehabilitate the Hub Water Canal in Karachi.
Kabraji & Talibuddin
Kabraji & Talibuddin regularly acts for local and foreign financiers, project companies, and stakeholders on hydroelectric, wind, coal, and fuel-based projects. The firm has further assisted government bodies on drafting legislation in relation to Pakistan’s power sector. The practice is co-led by industry veteran Kairas Kabraji and Syed Ali Bin Maaz, who is noted for his expertise in aviation financing, fuel supply agreements, and power purchase contracts. Maheen Faruqui is the third head and has spearheaded landmark wind, gas and hydroelectric power transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Kairas Kabraji; Syed Ali Bin Maaz; Maheen Faruqui
Referenzen
‘Stands out for its unique combination of expertise, client-centred approach, and innovative practices.’
‘One of the practice’s key strengths lies in its holistic understanding of legal complexities. Their ability to communicate effectively with clients ensures a more approachable legal process, a quality potential clients would greatly appreciate.’
‘In comparison to other firms, K&T Law’s personalised approach and emphasis on accessibility stand out. The practice’s focus on tailoring solutions to each client’s unique needs sets it apart from firms that might take a more one-size-fits-all approach. This individualised attention ensures that clients receive tailored guidance aligned with their specific circumstances.’
Kernmandanten
K-Solar (Private) Limited
Global Industry Suppliers (Private) Limited
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Export and Import Bank of China
China Development Bank
Industrial And Commercial Bank Of China Limited
China Minsheng Bank Corporation Limited
Postal Savings Bank Of China Co. Limited
Agricultural Bank Of China
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the lenders of the Suki Kinari hydropower project in relation to the successful financial close and commercial operations of an 870mw hydroelectric generation power project located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Advising China Development Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, China Minsheng Bank Corporation Limited, Postal Savings Bank of China Co. Limited, and Agricultural Bank of China on the financing of a 2x660mw coal-based power generation project being developed by Sino Sindh Resources (Private) Limited.
- Acting for K-Solar (Private) Limited in relation to its financing from Faysal Bank Limited and drafting and negotiating the documentation and assisting with all Pakistan law related matters.
Liaquat Merchant Associates
Headquartered in Karachi, Liaquat Merchant Associates is experienced in handling major power, hydroelectric, and liquified natural gas projects. The practice is led by Faresa Jafarey Ahsan, who regularly advises companies on Pakistan’s laws and regulations in relation to the power and energy sector. She is aided by UK-based Hira Ahmad, who brings over 12 years of experience in the area and is able to assist clients in making submissions to regulatory bodies. Meanwhile, Mustafa Mumtaz advises on pipeline projects and mining projects, as well as divestment and privatisation within the sector.
Praxisleiter:
Faresa Jafarey Ahsan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Hira Ahmad; Mustafa Mumtaz
Referenzen
‘Knowledgeable of laws of various jurisdictions with professional ethics.’
‘Good diversity and collaboration.’
Kernmandanten
Sui Southern Gas Company Limited
Karachi Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited
Sui Southern Gas Company Alternate Energy
Al Ghurair Investment LLC
Pakistan LNG Limited
Bahria Foundation
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Sui Southern Gas Company Alternate Energy (Pvt.) Ltd. on the laws, rules, regulations, and policies of Pakistan which govern off specification gas and on how it can purchase the off specification gas, convert the same to specification gas, ship, sell and distribute the same.
- Represented Al Ghurair Investments in the sale of TransAsia Refinery Limited for USD4.5m.
- Advised Sui Southern Gas Company Limited on the payment of sale proceeds of sellers working interest under the Gas Supply and Purchase Agreement entered between the client and sellers of gas in the Badin-IV South region.
Nawaz Hussain Sikander
Nawaz Hussain Sikander's client roster features a diverse array of clients from the banking, real estate, infrastructure and energy sectors, regularly representing explorers, producers, electric power generation companies and distribution companies, public procuring agencies, and EPC constructors. The team advises on project structuring, drafting and negotiating concession agreements, project and finance documents, engineering, procurement and construction contracts, and PPP projects. Co-leading the practice is Imran Nawaz Memon, a well-known PPP specialist, and corporate lawyer, Mir Nasar Ahmad. Memon is supported by Mehrunnissa Katpar who has recently advised on a number of large-scale motorway projects. Usman Siddiqui and Umed Ali are further names to note.
Praxisleiter:
Imran Nawaz Memon; Mir Nasar Ahmad
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mehrunnissa Katpar; Usman Siddiqui; Umed Ali
Referenzen
‘The experience in PPP projects, particularly in structuring projects from the feasibility stage, makes NHS a go-to firm for clients in infrastructure and real estate sectors.’
‘Projects are one of the practice areas that this firm manages and handles extremely well. Their legal expertise extends to the commercial understanding of these projects and their ability to identify legal risks and advise the client on all the risks involved makes their practice unique.’
‘Imran Nawaz is now a well-known legal expert in the PPP projects market in Pakistan.’
Kernmandanten
Sardar Muhammad Ashraf D. Baluch (Private) Limited
Sachal Engineering (Private) Limited
LRC (Private) Limited
Management and Development Centre (Private) Limited
PPP Unit Sindh
Indus Estate (Private) Limited
Shahrukh Engineering (Private) Limited
MBC & Sons Builders and Developers
Fazal Brothers
Sapna Construction (Private) Limited
Quality Builders Limited
Balochistan Public-Private Partnership Authority
Javedan Corporation Limited
Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited
Techno Engineering Services (Private) Limited
Karachi Development Authority
Lyari Development Authority
Balochistan Public-Private Partnership Authority
Transport Department, Government of Balochistan
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting as project counsel to the Concessionaire in Hyderabad – Sukkur (M6) Motorway Project.
- Providing legal advisory services to the successful bidder for Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway Project.
- Acting as project counsel to the Concessionaire in M9-N5 Link Road Project.
ABS & Co.
Representing globally recognised companies, multinationals, and financial institutions, ABS & Co. has 'expertise in navigating complex energy projects'. Spearheading a number of significant projects, the firm has advised on the construction, development, and financing of power projects, housing societies, industrial estates, 5-star hotels, resorts, shopping malls, golf clubs, apartment complexes, dams, and other high-rise buildings. Lahore based practitioners Amna Warsi and Ayasha Warsi lead the team. In addition, Ahmed Reza Mirza has established himself as a leading expert in energy law.
Praxisleiter:
Amna Warsi; Ayasha Warsi; Ahmed Reza Mirza
Referenzen
‘ABS & Co. have a very capable team to tackle legal matters.’
‘Highly recommended, particularly Ahmed Reza Mirza.’
‘A highly-skilled and reputable force in the industry. Their expertise in navigating complex energy projects, in-depth knowledge of the industry and strategic thinking sets them apart, making them an invaluable partner for our energy projects.’
Kernmandanten
Power Construction Corporation of China
Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Ltd
National Transmission and Despatch Company
Petroleum Exploration Pvt Limited
Special Technologies Zones Authority
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
China Ghezhouba Group Company Limited
Engro Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited
Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited
Saif Energy Limited
Agritech
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted Power Construction Corporation of China with preparing claims and negotiated terms of settlement in an EPC power project worth PKR34.89bn.
- Advising Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Limited on issues arising under their EPC Agreement for the engineering, procurement and construction of an 1180 MW RLNG-based Power Plant at Bhikki.
- Advised Pakistan’s largest privately owned Exploration & Production (E&P) company, Petroleum Exploration Pvt Limited, on issues related to sale of gas from an active gas producing field.
Vellani & Vellani
Boasting a comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s oil and gas sector, Vellani & Vellani is well-equipped to provide legal counsel to domestic and foreign financial institutions looking to finance projects in the sector. Meanwhile, the firm’s Islamabad office focuses on renewable energy. The practice is co-led by experienced litigator Badaruddin Vellani and Tariq Nasir, a specialist on infrastructure projects relating to power and LNG import terminals. Javaid Akhtar is another notable figure in the team.
Praxisleiter:
Badaruddin Vellani; Tariq Nasir; Javaid Akhtar
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Foundation Solar Energy Limited on the negotiation and finalisation of a power purchase agreement in relation to a solar power project to be developed for the Pakistan Army.
- Advised Engro Eximp FZE on their proposed venture of importing and selling RLNG.
- Acted for the Guarantor (Infrazamin) in relation to the Kashf Foundation’s Gender Bond issue estimated at PKR2500m.