Labour and employment in Pakistan

Akhund Forbes

Distinguished for having a dedicated labour and employment law practice, Akhund Forbes offers full-service capabilities in the areas of local, national, and international labour and employment matters. The team is particularly well-versed in advising major asset management companies on a wide range of mandates. The team is led by Sahar Iqbal, a noted expert in the field who handles non-litigious matters for clients across a wide range of sectors, including FMCG, fund management, TMT, energy, infrastructure, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors.

Practice head(s):

Sahar Iqbal


Testimonials

‘Prompt response to our queries.’

Key clients

MCB-Arif Habib Savings and Investments Limited


UBL Fund Managers Limited


China Power Generation Hub Company


Deutsche Bank


Baker & McKenzie LLP


Kumon Institute if Education Co., Ltd


Karachi Down Syndrome Program


Global University Systems


Arif Habib Limited


Ericsson Pakistan Private Limited


Globalisation Partners


Muller Bleher Group


Stealth Startup


Veripark


Pay Care


NBP Fund Management Limited


Sumitomo Chemicals Pte Ltd


Vezeeta


Timwetech


PayCare


Encore Pay


Reckitt Hygiene Pakistan


Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan


Beerbal & Co


Perkins Coie LLP


Sidley Austin LLP


Sofy AI


Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP


Pakistan Security Printing Corporation PVT LTD


Sanofi Aventis Pakistan


Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership


Work highlights


  • Advising Veripark, Unifonic, and Globalization Partners on their HR matters and arrangements as they make a business entry in Pakistan.
  • Assisting Karachi Down Syndrome Programme, Microsoft, UBL Fund Managers Limited, MCB Arif Habib Savings and Investments Limited, Unifonic with a wide range of key points of employment law.
  • Advised Global University Systems, Muller Bleher Group and Kumon Pakistan with reviewing and updating their standard employment contract and HR Policy for Pakistan in-line with the applicable laws.

Yousaf Amanat & Associates

With offices situated in Karachi and Islamabad, Yousaf Amanat & Associates enjoys a strong reputation in the field of labour and employment law, alongside a growing practice in data protection. Of recent note, the team has acted on behalf of a German chemical manufacturing company in an employee misconduct investigation. The team is co-led by the 'very seasoned and experienced lawyer' Yousaf Amanat, who brings over 20 years of experience to the area, and Karachi-based practitioner Noman Zahid.

Practice head(s):

Yousaf Amanat; Noman Zahid


Testimonials

‘Yousaf Amanat & Associates is collaborative and proactive, they have an excellent grip and understanding of labour-related matters.’

‘Individuals are professional and calm problem solvers.’

‘The response time of Yousaf Amanat & Associates is very fast, succinct and direct. The team is diverse and therefore caters to lawsuits in various different locations in Pakistan. Their invoices are submitted very timely.’

‘We have worked closely with the associates and found them very reliable and efficient.’

‘Yousaf Amanat has been advising us for the past 11 years now. A very seasoned and experienced lawyer. He is somebody on whom you can count completely.’ 

‘Yousaf Amanat has been able to advise us, guide us and provide high level advice and support for our employment matters in Pakistan.’

‘Good level of commitment, knowledge and support.’

Key clients

Aveint Corporation


BASF Germany


Deel


Delivery Hero


Food Panda


Unilever


Canadian Solar


Check Out


GIZ


Lewis Silkin LLP


Work highlights


  • Advised Delivery Hero on the gig working engagement structure, providing details of trans provincial employment laws of Pakistan and populating a risk matrix for the client which involved financial and legal risks.
  • Advised BASF Germany on on strategy relating to termination of higher management and restructuring of the company’s board.

ABS & Co.

With offices in Lahore and Islamabad, ABS & Co. provides a full-service labour and employment law offering in both contentious and non-contentious mandates. Covering both public and private employment law, the team deals with wage disputes, industrial action, and employee benefits, as well as labour and HR policies. The practice is headed by Imran Ahmed Malik, and he is supported by Ahmer Bilal Soofi.

Practice head(s):

Imran Ahmed Malik


Other key lawyers:

Ahmer Bilal Soofi


Key clients

United Bank Limited


Punjab Social Security Institution


Bank of Punjab


Punjab Poverty Alleviation Fund


Punjab Skills Development Fund


Punjab Population Innovation Fund


Punjab Institute of Fashion & Design


McDonalds


Water and Sanitation Agency


Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund


Work highlights


  • Advised McDonalds on settling multiple tort claims under occupational safety laws arising out of an accidental fire at one of its restaurants.
  • Advised the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination on the devolution of employees old-age benefit institution and workers welfare fund following the 18th Amendment.
  • Represented China Three Gorges Investment Company in drafting its internal HR policy in light of the applicable labour laws of Pakistan.

Khalid Anwer & Co.

Headquartered in Karachi, Khalid Anwer & Co. advises and litigates on behalf of several employers, covering large class-action suits, as well as smaller disputes. The firm is well-known for representing banks in complex labour-related matters in the highest courts in Pakistan. The team is co-led by Raashid Anwer, who strengthens the practice with over 23 years of experience, and Syed Mustafa Ali, who specialises in representing leading banks in employment-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Raashid Anwer; Syed Mustafa Ali


Testimonials

‘Khalid Anwar & Co has a broad range of expertise covering litigation, corporate matters, company law matters, labour matters and other ancillary legal areas. The advice is to the point and solutions presented are accurate.’

‘Khalid Anwar & Co knows how to treat clients well. Clients’ instructions, time and input is given value.’

‘Khalid Anwar & Co’s legal solutions are a good blend of strict legalese and practicality. Literal legal solutions in isolation seldom work, therefore the firm presents legal solutions which are also cognisant of practical and commercial difficulties and challenges.’

‘Khalid Anwar & Co’s lawyers are by far the most courteous, and their verbal interaction immediately puts clients at ease.’

Key clients

Pakistan Telecommunications Company Ltd.


Pakistan Telecommunication Employees Trust


National Bank of Pakistan


Mashreq Bank


Gul Ahmed Energy Ltd


United Bank Limited


MCB Bank Limited


Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited


Sindh employment Social Security Institution


Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation


Work highlights


  • Represented the National Bank of Pakistan in a case challenging the appointment of its Chief Executive in ongoing proceedings before the Islamabad High Court.
     
     
  • Acted on behalf of PTET to contest numerous petitions filed by Pakistan Telecommunications Ltd. retired employees who are claiming the same retirement benefits as retired civil servants.

Kilam Law

Kilam Law is led by Ali Ibrahim, a noted expert in labour law, who operates from the Lahore office. His practice encompasses drafting employment contracts, handling industrial disputes, and advising on social security and benefits funds. The firm has acted on behalf of leading global brands such as Red Bull, advising on corporate compliance and labour contract law issues. Haris Azmat and Taimur Malik are also litigators of note.

Practice head(s):

Ali Ibrahim


Other key lawyers:

Haris Azmat; Taimur Malik


Testimonials

‘The team is extremely efficient.’

‘Good understanding of the law and the ability to grasp complex legal issues.’

Key clients

Descon Engineering Limited


Water & Power Development Authority


SPG Prints B.V


Red Bull


Interloop Limited


Noor Care (Pvt) Limited


Buch Hospital (Pvt) Limited


Clyde & Co. LLP (Dubai)


New Era Technology Private Limited


Regalis Healthcare


Conatural Beauty Pvt Ltd


Dhabi Hospitality Private Limited


Republic Women’s Wear


KIPS Education Institute


PASCONS Construction Company


AlphaBold Inc. USA


Evernex Dubai


Century Insurance Company Limited


EFU General Insurance Limited


The United Insurance Company of Pakistan Limited


Kaizen Paint (Pvt) Limited


Plastech Autosafe (Pvt) Limited


Liaquat Merchant Associates

Headquartered in Karachi, Liaquat Merchant Associates is skilled at representing companies, employees, and civil servants before the High Courts, Labour Courts, and Service Tribunals. Catering to both domestic and international clients, the firm regularly acts for international law firm DLA Piper and global management consultant McKinsey & Co., as well as leading national banks. Industry veteran Faresa Jafarey Ahsan leads the practice with the support of UK-based Hira Ahmad, a notable expert in the field who advises clients on drafting HR policies and employment contracts.

Practice head(s):

Faresa Jafarey Ahsan


Other key lawyers:

Hira Ahmad


Key clients

Mckinsey & Co.


DLA Piper


PwC LLP


National Bank of Pakistan


Finca Microfinance Bank


Entravision – Jack of Digital


Engro Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised DLA Piper UK regarding its client, Uber, on specific queries on maternity and paternity leaves for employees in Pakistan.
  • Advised DLA Piper Middle East regarding its client, Cisco, on post pandemic issues, such as return to offices and access.
     
  • Advised Entravision on its standard employment contracts for its employees based in Pakistan.
     

Orr, Dignam & Co.

Orr, Dignam & Co. is well-placed to advise on a range of employment matters, such as local laws, contracts, and registrations for international and local blue-chip companies. The practice is co-led by Islamabad-based practitioners Zahir Riaz and Aliya Yusuf. Asim Nasim, Shahid Raza, and Umar Shahid complete the leadership team.

Practice head(s):

Zahir Riaz; Aliya Yusuf; Asim Nasim; Shahid Raza; Umar Shahid


Key clients

Uber Technologies Inc.


Fauji Foundation


BBC Pakistan (Private) Limited


S&P Global Pakistan (Private) Limited


Barrick Gold Corporation


Shanghai Electric


H3C Technologies Pakistan (Private) Limited


Kaufland Pakistan (Private) Limited


Lidl Asia Pte. Limited


Tulane University, US


Northwestern Medicine, US


United Stated Pharmacopeia


Sanofi Aventis Pakistan Limited


Sanofi (France)


Global Upside


Channel VAS


St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, US


IDP Education Pakistan (Private) Limited


Siemens Pakistan Energy Company Limited


Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited


Pakistan LNG Limited


Ericsson Pakistan (Private) Limited


Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited


Kaplan Australia


IBM


Corteva Pakistan


Work highlights


  • Advising Barrick Gold Corporation on all employment matters in respect of the Reconstituted Reko Diq project.
  • Advising S&P Global and its Pakistani subsidiary on various employment matters under Pakistan law.
  • Advising H3C Technologies Co., Limited and its subsidiary, H3C Pakistan (Private) Limited, on various employment matters under Pakistan law.

Qureshi Law Associates

Headquartered in Lahore, Qureshi Law Associates is well-positioned to advise on employment law issues, especially for businesses entering into the Pakistani market. Led by Basharat Ali Mehmood, the team is experienced in reviewing employee contracts and drafting handbooks.

Practice head(s):

Basharat Ali Mehmood


Work highlights


  • Assisted Hanergy with drafting an employment handbook, setting out the health, insurance, safety, holidays, work holidays, dress codes, and harassment policies.
  • Advised Solution de Energy on undertaking a review of employees, contracts, employees’ provident funds, employees’ worker welfare funds and possible retrenchment options.
  • Advised M/s Red Sea Petroleum (Private) Limited on the acquisition of M/s Exceed Petroleum (Pvt) Ltd, a company owing over 35 petrol stations in Pakistan, licensed for the import of oil.

RIAA BARKER GILLETTE

RIAA BARKER GILLETTE frequently litigates on behalf of employers and is equipped to provide advice on employment contracts, trade union matters, leave entitlements, and other HR issues. The team also specialises in providing nuanced advisory work in emerging labour markets, such as contract-based and outsourced labour for global companies. Karachi-based practitioner Shafaq Rehman leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Shafaq Rehman


Testimonials

‘RIAA Barker makes great effort in understanding their clients whereby coming up with, where required, creative and personalised solutions that address the clients’ needs. Great people to work with.’

‘A diligent team.’

‘What has impressed me the most about this law practice overall is the quality of services they provide to SME clients, which is comparable to the quality they provide to much larger corporate clients. This speaks to their values of equity across clients, independent of revenue.’

Key clients

Velocity Global Holdings LLC


ABS Group of Companies Inc.


Avient Pakistan (Private) Limited


Avient Corporation


Baker & McKenzie


King & Spalding LLP


Seyfarth Shaw LLP


Cooley LLP


Remote Pakistan (SMC-Private) Limited


Barrick Gold Corporation


CCL Holding (Private) Limited


Dasu Hydropower Consultants


Chevron Pakistan Lubricants (Private) Limited


South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Velocity Global Holdings LLC on the legal landscape applicable to its business activities in Pakistan and on the setting up of a subsidiary in Pakistan.
  • Advised Barrick Gold Corporation on all regulatory aspects of employing individuals in a gold mine, which will ultimately employ over 7,000 miners.
  • Advised Avient Pakistan (Private) Limited on its day-to-day legal issues, from representing the client before regulatory authorities to advising on various matters under applicable labour laws.
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