The TMT department at Akhund Forbes is known for its work on high-value and complex transactions and advises many leading global TMT businesses. The practice is increasingly advising the burgeoning tech and start-up sectors and has been acting for some major international venture capital investors. It receives a steady flow of work from various international law firms on numerous significant TMT mandates. Rabel Akhund frequently advises some of the world’s leading telecoms and IT companies on a range of regulatory and transactional issues. Akhund remains a key advisor for an increasing number of advanced-stage tech start-ups looking for investors. Sahar Iqbal is another important member of the department.
TMT in Pakistan
Akhund Forbes
Praxisleiter:
Rabel Akhund; Sahar Iqbal
Referenzen
‘I have worked with partner Sahar Iqbal and can attest to her commitment and professionalism. Her sense of urgency and creativity are worthy of note.’
‘Their expertise on the subject matter, in-depth knowledge, networking, coordination, self-initiation makes them different from the others.’
Kernmandanten
Edotco Group SDN Berhad
NBP Fund Management Limited
Baker & McKenzie LLP
MCB Arif Habib Investments and Savings Limited
Edotco Pakistan (Private) Limited
Edotco Towers (Private) Limited
UBL Fund Managers Limited
Mastercard
Facebook Inc./Meta Platforms, Inc.
Vodafone Group
Kelly Drye & Warren LLP
Cleary Gottlieb Steen Hamilton LLP
NdcTech (Private) Limited
Osborne Clarke
Graphene Ventures
Kleiner Perkins
Sequoia Capital
Qiwi Plc
Unifonic Inc.
Vezeeta.com
Perkins Coie LLP
Central Depository Pakistan Limited
Simmons & Simmons
Timwetech
Stealth Startup
Encore Pay
PayCare
Qist Bazaar
Lyra Health
Dechert LLP
Skadden
Asia Impact Investment Fund II (Singapore) VCC
Slack
Mayson Hayes
KWM
Squire Patton Boggs LLP
Zoom
Amazon
Pinnacle Insurance of MN
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Zoom on Pakistani telecommunications laws.
- Advised Qist Bazaar, a BNPL fintech company in Pakistan, on strategic investments, regulatory matters and lending transactions.
- Advising the founders on all aspects of their business, including their corporate structure, their commercial contracts, joint venture arrangements, investments by and into Encore Pay.
Ali & Associates
Ali & Associates remains a strong presence in the TMT space in Pakistan and continues to be involved in numerous significant matters in the tech, telecoms, media and IT sectors. It has considerable expertise in IP matters and frequently advises on issues relating to trade marks and copyright infringements. Ali Kabir Shah deals with many contentious and non-contentious matters relating to IT, licensing and franchising. Karimullah Adeni is another seasoned practitioner, along with Hanya Haroon. Syed Auqil Ali Shah, Mohiuddin Adeni, Shakeel Abid and Fouzia Bilal are among the other notable members of the practice.
Praxisleiter:
Syed Auqil Ali Shah; Karimullah Adeni; Mohiuddin Adeni; Ali Kabir Shah; Shakeel Abid; Hanya Haroon; Fouzia Bilal
Kernmandanten
The Breeze Drinks Company Limited
Oakberry Akai Inc.
AMPS Middle East
BGI Genomics Co. Ltd.
Bureau Veritas SA
Mehta Herbals Pvt. Ltd.
Ray & Bluestone LLP
Qingdao Yingqiao International Trade Co.
Metamap Inc.
Quantum Industries LLC
Shenzhen IP-Com Networks
Oraimo Technology Limited
Chongqing Weibo Communication Technology Co., Ltd.
Aquarius Cosmetics S.L.U.
CaplinPointLaboratories Ltd.
Finlays Colombo Limited
Shokooh Nadi LLC
Del Monte Foods Inc.
Titan GmbH
Hugo Boss Ag
Motion Pictures Association
Jumeriah International Llc
Glanbia Performance Nutrition Limited
Camelot Uk Bidco Limited
Olimp Laboratories Sp
Elite Gold Ltd
Xiaomi Inc.
Tiktok
Channel V
Sonix Inc.
Dr. Willmar Schwabe Gmbh
Huawei Technologies Company Limited
Air China Limited
Honda Atlas Power Products Limited
Fauji Cement Company Limited
Iffco
Reusch International
Velum Limited
Chapter Four Corp.
Discovery Inc.
Societe Des Products Nestle S.A.
Honda Motors
Lotte Corporation
Procter & Gamble
Baxter International Inc.
Nokia Corporation
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Lloyds Register Emea
H-d Usa LLC (Harley Davidson)
Netflix Inc.
Television Food Network
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
J&b Medical Group
Commscope Inc.
Gul Ahmed Textile Mills Ltd.
Master Group Of Companies
Ismail Industries Ltd.
Jaffer Brothers Pvt. Ltd.
Forward Sports Pvt. Ltd
Getz Pharma Pvt. Ltd
Khaadi Smc Pvt. Ltd
Bykea Technologies Private Limited
Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
Brands For Less L.L.C.
Car- Freshner Corporation
Lt Foods Overseas Ltd
Lifestyle Equities Cv. (Polo Club Beverly Hills)
Ostindo International Pvt. Ltd.
Oriental Food Industries Sdn. Bhd
Starbuzz Tobacco, Inc.
Tan Nhat Huong Co. Ltd
Tommy Hilfiger Licensing LLC
Vuadra Limited
Vitabiotics Limited
Lotte Corporation
Kitz Corporation
Indus Motor Company Ltd.
Coslab Pvt. Ltd.
Forest Stewardship Council, A.C.
Bioexcyte Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
Askari Bank Ltd.
Abc Hygiene Industries Pvt. Ltd
Silk Route Beauty Products
Millac Foods Pvt. Ltd
Rica S.p.a
Pt Megasurya Mas
Western Digital
Red Bull Gmbh
Yunus Brothers Group (Lucky Group)
Independent Media Corporation
Philip Morris International
Marie Stopes Society
China Petrochemical Corporation
Mahle International
April International Enterprise
Pepe’s Piri Piri Ltd.
Finolex Cable Limited
Caterpillar Limited
Guangdong Oppo Mobile Communications
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Ltd.
Beijing Dajia Internet Information Technology
Malco Products
Movenpick
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
Lex Legal Practice (Solicitors & Attorneys)
The team at Lex Legal Practice (Solicitors & Attorneys) consists of ‘ highly talented and hard-working individuals’ who make ‘it very easy for the client to make decisions’. Under the excellent leadership of Asad Salahuddin, the group has an established reputation for its work in the fintech sector. The department has been involved in a significant number of fintech transactions in Pakistan in recent years. It also undertakes work in other areas spanning blockchain and payment card services. Clients include edtech companies, travel services platforms, software and application developers, as well as ride-hailing service providers.
Praxisleiter:
Asad Salahuddin
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rubab Cheema; Khadija Mansoor
Referenzen
‘Deep legal knowledge, well-organised team, strong leadership from Asad. Time commitment and high integrity.’
‘Lex Legal Practice has deep industry knowledge, has advised a wide range of tech start-ups, and fintechs in particular, and has a reputation with regulators. The firm always meets our timelines and has never failed to ensure their service matches our requests from them.’
‘Asad Salahuddin is a brilliant lawyer who has assisted us on several complex transactions. He has a strong understanding of commercial risks and a real appreciation of how regulatory compliance can be practically managed.’
Kernmandanten
Abhi Limited
Bridgelinx Tech Private Limited
Edufi Private Limited
Yango
Seedcred Financial Services Limited
Ping Pong
AI-Ponics Private Limited
Finja Private Limited
Bykea Technologies Private Limited
Techlogix
Abwaab Technologies Inc.
Edmatrix Private Limited
Cashew (Muawin)
Nymcard Payments Limited
Opay Digital Payment Private Limited
Prex Limited
Revest Private Limited
Taro Technologies Private Limited
Xisys Consulting Private Limited
HUZ Solutions Private Limited
HengShan Investment Limited
Trukkr Private Limited
Deem Ventures Limited
Finja Lending Services Limited
Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication Pakistan (MOITT)
Adal Financial Pte. Ltd.
Million Ventures GMBH
MCB Bank Limited (Digital Banking)
Webwork Solution Private Limited
Smartlane IT Solution Private Limited
Bykea Cash Private Limited
Finja Inc. (Delaware Corp)
Edufi Pte Ltd
MDS Foods Private Limited
Rented Lifestyle Private Limited
Gorilla Bins Inc
Uzma Ventures Private Limited
Opay Pte ltd
Nym Technologies Holding Limited
Liberty Ventures
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Opay on the acquisition of a large digital non-banking finance company (NBFC) in Pakistan, namely Seedcred.
- Advising a fintech unicorn operating as a cross-border payment service provider, on offering remittance payment channels, foreign currency virtual accounts, merchant acquiring services and e-money wallets to freelancers and merchants in Pakistan.
- Successfully advised Edufi on obtaining a digital Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) license, for the establishment of Pakistan’s first Study Now Pay Later (“SNPL”) digital platform.
Liaquat Merchant Associates
The busy team at Liaquat Merchant Associates regularly advises on issues relating to the acquisition of software applications and software license agreements. The group receives a steady flow of work concerning outsourcing agreements, Islamic software agreements, as well as software and hardware maintenance agreements. It often advises on service-level contracts and escrow agreements. Practice head Faresa Jafarey Ahsan has a varied practice and has advised on numerous IT contracts for tech services. Ahsan continues to represent telecoms companies on a range of issues. Hira Ahmad is another key figure who frequently advises on IT-related matters.
Praxisleiter:
Faresa Jafarey Ahsan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Hira Ahmad
Referenzen
‘Skilled and experienced resources available in the team. Knowledge of their field and experience.’
Kernmandanten
DLA Piper
MasterCard
Wemsol (Private) Limited
Allied Bank Limited
Covalent (Private) Limited
Pi Pakistan
Archiving Data Solutions (Private) Limited
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
Zapp One Systems (Private) Limited
Careem Pakistan
Bank AL Habib Limited
Habib Metropolitan Bank
Avanza Premier Payment Services (Private) Limited
EXIM Bank of Pakistan
Standard Chartered Bank
Element Payments
Highlight-Mandate
- Reviewed and advised the client on a comparative assessment of data privacy laws (Schrems II) and the power of courts and regulatory authorities in Pakistan for an assessment of industry practices in Pakistan.
- Engaged by DLA Piper for Ikea to review an intra-group data transfer agreement, which catered for data transfer to and from Pakistan, and advised the client on various compliance matters.
- Advising Element Payment, a Thai fintech company, on the setting up of an Electronic Money Institution in Pakistan.
ABS & Co.
Jointly led by Majid Bashir and Samar Masood, the intellectual property and technology team at ABS & Co. advises a diverse range of clients, from sovereign governments and multinational corporations to investors, venture capitalists and high-net-worth individuals. The group has a busy practice, which often advises on complex transactions involving software licensing, royalty assignments, and tech licensing. In addition, the department has been helping start-up companies in the tech sector at all stages of investment.
Praxisleiter:
Majid Bashir; Samar Masood
Kernmandanten
TMC Private Limited
Khazana Private Limited
Uniplan Trading International
Medipak
Intellextual Solutions Private Limited
MIC Global
Waada Digital
ZoodPay SA
OrientSwiss SA
Raqami
FDHL
McDonalds
Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs – State of Kuwait
Civil Aviation Authority
Kredit Geek Private Limited
UBL
Fauree Tech
Alibaba International Digital Group
AliExpress CIS Holding PTE Limited
Goldfin Limited
Daraz PK
CCL Pharmaceuticals Private Limited
Tracking ME
I3RL Private Limited
Bedz.Pk
Numbers Private Limited
Prosper Technologies Private Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising a commercial bank on the implementation and deployment of a CRM solution, AI conversational bots.
- Advising Daraz PK on offering cloud-based call center services solutions and services in Pakistan.
- Advising OSSA and Zood on white labelling its BNPL solutions for licensing to clients.
AUC | Law
AUC | Law has a solid reputation in the market for its experience in the TMT sector. Clients include international venture capital funds, tech companies and start-ups. The group continues to advise a number of entities in the fintech space, as well as advising on e-commerce and digital payments. It frequently advises on investment agreements and regulatory compliance. Practice head Ahmed Uzair has a particular focus on tech matters.
Praxisleiter:
Ahmed Uzair
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Muhummad Saddam Pasha; Maha Falak; Usama Aslam
Referenzen
‘This practice stands out due to its partners’ exceptional expertise, the team’s strong skill set, technological proficiency, and excellent communication abilities. The partners bring a wealth of experience, guiding the team in offering innovative legal solutions tailored to clients’ needs.‘
‘The entire team is well-versed in the latest technologies, enabling them to address complex legal matters effectively. Their ability to clearly and effectively communicate these complexities sets them apart from other firms, ensuring clients are always well-informed and confident in the legal process.‘
‘The individuals I’ve worked with in this practice stand out due to their exceptional expertise and dedication. They are not only highly skilled in their respective areas of law but also have a deep understanding of the latest technological advancements, which they seamlessly integrate into their legal practice.‘
Kernmandanten
Sai Ventures Capital
47 Ventures
Paysys Labs
Walee Technologies
Walee Pte Ltd.
Walee Financial Services
Book Me Tickets
Jiye Technologies
Metric Pte Ltd
Neem Exponential Financial Services
Neem Technologies Pte Ltd.
Aequitas Information Services Limited
Abhi (Private) Ltd
Abhi Fintech Ltd
Weather Walay
Khaleef Technologies
Ozoned Digital
Kuunda Holdings LImited
Krravemart Technologies
HG Telecom (Private) LImited
Tasdeeq Information Services Limited
Activemedia
Ba-Khabar-Kissan (Private) Limited
Neem.pro
Ningbo Green Light Energy
TheEPO.com
Emtel Communications
Dreamstream (Private) Limited
Glowbug Technologies
Repairdesk
Yottabyte
Sperton
Rada Technologies
Bharucha & Co.
At Bharucha & Co., Mohammad Fazil Bharucha and Abdul Aziz co-head the department, which covers a wide range of issues in the TMT arena. It also often advises on a variety of IP matters, such as trade marks, patents, designs and copyright. The firm is well-equipped to handle a broad array of contentious and non-contentious issues.
Praxisleiter:
Mohammad Fazil Bharucha; Abdul Aziz
Haidermota & Co Advocates
Zahra Abid, Shabbir Harianawala and Owais Aziz collectively head the department at Haidermota & Co Advocates, which has considerable expertise in the fintech space. The firm has a strong corporate practice, which has substantial experience in the telecoms sector. It excels in licensing and regulatory work. Key clients include leading international and national banks, as well as financial institutions.
Praxisleiter:
Zahra Abid; Shabbir Harianawala; Owais Aziz
Kernmandanten
Ahya Technologies (Private) Limited
Telenor ASA (“Telenor”)
Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (PMCL)
Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (“PMCL”) and VEON Ltd.
Jade E-Services Pakistan (Private) Limited
Epic Games
Hugo Bank Limited
Paramount Techno Parks Limited
Clifford Chance LLP
Taptap Send UK Limited
Latham and Watkins LLP
Fladgate LLP
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted as legal counsel for Ahya Technologies, a start-up company providing a unified artificial intelligence-enabled platform for scaling climate action across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan.
- Advising Telenor with respect to its proposed divestment from its Pakistani operations, involving 100% sale of shares of Telenor Pakistan (Pvt) Limited by Telenor Group to PTCL.
- Engaged by the client on the launch of a new lending product on the “JazzCash” platform through a non-banking finance company established by the client.
Khalid Anwer & Co.
Raashid Anwer, Jawad Qureshi and Syed Mustafa Ali co-head the practice at Khalid Anwer & Co., which has a strong emphasis on dispute resolution. The group is adept at advising on issues in the TMT sector and also helps sector clients with various corporate matters.
Praxisleiter:
Raashid Anwer; Jawad Qureshi; Syed Mustafa Ali
Kernmandanten
Telenor Pakistan (Private) Limited
Mashreq Global Services (SMC) Private Ltd.
Majeed & Partners, Advocates & Counsellors At Law
The versatile team at Majeed & Partners, Advocates & Counsellors At Law has considerable knowledge of the regulatory landscape in Pakistan. Managing partner and team lead Saqib Majeed is a known name for his work in the telecoms sector. The group is well-placed to advise major companies on a whole host of issues in the technology sector, such as structuring their businesses and advising on corporate compliance. Key clients include start-ups and multinational corporations.
Praxisleiter:
Saqib Majeed
Referenzen
‘The team is well-versed in the local regulatory environment and the common challenges faced by businesses in the TMT sector. They have extensive experience in handling M&A transactions, particularly cross-border deals.’
‘Their knowledge of common pitfalls for foreign investors enables them to provide expert guidance and optimal solutions.’
‘The practice head, Saqib Majeed, is the go-to expert for structuring investments in the TMT sector and ensuring regulatory compliance. He is easy to work with, highly responsive, and offers client-focused solutions with strong commercial insight.’
Kernmandanten
DevsData LLC, USA/ Poland
Community Phone Company, USA
Premion, LLC, USA
Bech Bruun, Denmark
Micro Merchant Systems, Inc.
Enquizit Incorporated
Advantest Corporation
Hexagon AB
SwipBox Pakistan (Private) Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Premion, LLC, USA on the acquisition of a US target, Octillion Media LLC, providing IT-related services through independent contractors who are based in Pakistan.
- Advised Micro Merchant Systems, Inc. USA, on contractual arrangements for IT-related services through independent contractors in Pakistan.
- Advised an external data management platform operator on establishing a local presence, and on providing data-related services.
Orr, Dignam & Co.
The dedicated team at Orr, Dignam & Co. provides comprehensive advice to foreign and local clients. It is frequently sought after for its work on diverse matters, such as regulatory compliance, intellectual property and transactional support. The group is skilled at advising on acquisitions and divestments for some significant clients in the telecoms sector. Another core area of strength is helping clients to obtain licenses and consents to conduct business. The group is collectively led by Zahir Riaz, Aliya Yusuf and Asim Nasim. Shahid Raza and Umar Shahid are also at the helm.
Praxisleiter:
Zahir Riaz; Aliya Yusuf; Asim Nasim; Shahid Raza; Umar Shahid
Kernmandanten
Uber Technologies Inc.
Apple Inc.
Tencent
IBM
Ericsson Pakistan Private Limited
Siemens Pakistan Engineering Company Limited
Société Internationale De Télécommunications Aéronautiques SCRL (Sita)
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
BBC Pakistan (Private) Limited
S&P Global Pakistan (Private) Limited
Channel VAS Pakistan (Private) Limited
Spotify
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited
Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (Ufone)
VoiceFriend LLC
Knowledge Platform (Private) Limited
Wateen WiMAX (Private) Limited
Addleshaw and Goddard LLP
Baker and McKenzie
RIAA BARKER GILLETTE
Adil Tirmizey heads the practice at RIAA BARKER GILLETTE. The busy team frequently advises on cross-border commercial arrangements in the telecoms sector, as well as on other matters relating to outsourcing agreements. In addition, it is skilled at helping clients manage their IP portfolios, and advising on many other aspects of media and tech law. Yousaf Khosa is another key contact.
Praxisleiter:
Adil Tirmizey
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Yousaf Khosa
Kernmandanten
China Telecom Pakistan (Private) Limited
Azentio Software Private Limited
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Frequency Allocation Board
Highlight-Mandate
- Currently advising China Telecom Pakistan (Private) Limited on various regulatory matters.
- Advising Azentio Software Private Limited on the acquisition of Path Solutions’ local entity in Pakistan.
- Currently advising a venture capital firm on the establishment of a private equity fund in Pakistan.