Khalid Anwer & Co. > Karachi, Pakistan > Firm Profile

Khalid Anwer & Co.
153-K, BLOCK 2
PECHS
KARACHI
Pakistan

Pakistan > Dispute resolution Tier 1

A leading boutique dispute resolution law firm, Khalid Anwer & Co. is renowned in the arena for being at the fore of some of the country’s most well-known constitutional and commercial disputes. The 'very experienced and senior lawyer' Khalid Anwer co-heads the team, bringing over five decades of experience at the superior courts to the practice, and he has been involved in several cases critical to the country’s political and constitutional foundation. Leading alongside Anwer is managing partner Raashid Anwer, who maintains strong relationships with major industrial and financial conglomerates. They are supported by Syed Mustafa Ali, who specialises in employment disputes and regularly advises leading international and domestic banks on a range of issues. Jawad Qureshi and Yousuf Nasim are also practitioners of note.

Practice head(s):

Khalid Anwer; Rashid Anwer

Testimonials

‘Khalid Anwer & Co. does not insist on taking a hardline view; rather, they are open to taking a softer stand and consider mutual settlement.’

‘The team at Khalid Anwer & Co. is very professional, and they have an advanced understanding of the law. They keep themselves updated with regard to changes made in law and relevant court decisions. Their communication skills are excellent.’

‘We worked with Raashid Anwer for dispute resolution matters. He is a very experienced and senior lawyer and of course has excellent jurisprudence, research and analytical skills.’

‘Khalid Anwer & Co. is one of, if not the, best law firm with which we have worked with. We have a longstanding relationship with the firm and its partners, and in the many years we have worked with them we have always been completely satisfied with the service we have received. The quality of work has been stellar and the results have rarely failed to deliver.’

‘The team, under the guidance of Raashid Anwer, is well-informed about not just the relevant law, but also of the recent updates in the field.’

‘Three points to note in particular as to where the firm excels are firstly, its approach of offering not just the standard, run-of-the-mill solutions to issues, but also out-of-the-box and innovative solutions to resolve any disputes which arise. Secondly, the speedy response which we get from the team. Thirdly, the connections which the team has with other law firms and industry leaders which are of great assistance in resolving our issues.’

‘Our experience with the team at Khalid Anwer & Co has been that each and every individual who we have worked with has been very responsive and accessible whenever we have needed to get in touch with them and has provided us with a quick turnaround in relation to our queries and issues.’

‘Raashid Anwer, Jawad Qureshi, and Khalid Anwer have been exceptional. Moreover, we greatly appreciate the knowledge, reputation, and creative thinking which the team offer, and this is what truly makes Khalid Anwer & Co stand out amongst the various law firms in Pakistan.’

Key clients

Pfizer Pakistan Ltd

Lucky Energy (Pvt.) Ltd

Sindh Education Department

Pakistan International Bulk Terminal

Arif Habib Group

Teradata Pakistan

Teradata Ireland

Sapphire Textile Mills Limited

Gul Ahmed Textiles Mills Limited

Umer Group of Companies

Naveena Exports Limited

Naveena Industries Limited

Ismail Industries Limited

National Foods Limited

ATC Technology Consultants

Lucky Tex Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited

Continental Biscuits Limited

Mashreq Bank UAE

Gasco Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd

Meezan Bank Limited

FieldCore Service Pakistan Company (Pvt.) Ltd

Soneri Bank Limited

Telenor Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd

MCB Islamic Bank Limited

Makro Habib Pakistan Limited

The Hub Power Company Limited

Work highlights

  • Representing over two hundred high-net individuals in a major tax dispute before the Supreme Court.  
  • Acted for Hub Power Company Limited in a dispute that arose in the context of a joint-venture entity formed for the establishment and operation of two coal-powered electricity generation plants.    
  • Acted for the State Bank of Pakistan in relation to the acquisition of Bank Islami by JS Bank as its subsidiary.

Pakistan > Tax Tier 1

A well-established practice that sits at the forefront of tax litigation, Khalid Anwer & Co. profits from a strong relationship with the country’s major industrial and financial services conglomerates. The department is also experienced at handling high-profile cases before the superior courts. The team is co-led by Karachi-based Raashid Anwer, a distinguished practitioner highly regarded for his cross-sector expertise, alongside Jawad Qureshi, who leverages his substantive experience of tax-related litigation.

Practice head(s):

Raashid Anwer; Jawad Qureshi

Other key lawyers:

Habib Kazi

Testimonials

‘When it comes to tax matters, Khalid Anwer & Co. is one of, if not the, best law firm to handle the same. The team, under the guidance of Raashid Anwer, not only offers practical and run-of-the-mill solutions to tax issues, but it also excels at devising creative arguments when it comes to the interpretation of the law.’

‘The practice of Khalid Anwer & Co. is unique with respect to their capabilities of interpreting the sales tax matters being faced by the insurance industry in Pakistan. Their advisory on replies to the taxation authorities covering all legal aspects is unmatched as we have experienced.’

“Khalid Anwer & Co. is a leading law firm of Pakistan. The senior partner, Mr Khalid Anwer, is one of the senior most advocates of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He has been appearing before the Superior Courts of Pakistan for over five decades now.’

‘This law firm stands out due to its unparalleled commitment to personalised, top-tier legal solutions. The team’s diverse expertise, collaborative approach, and innovative use of technology ensure efficient, effective, and client-centric services. With transparent billing structures and a strong emphasis on diversity, Khalid Anwar & Co sets an exceptional standard within the legal sector.’

‘Their blend of legal prowess, teamwork, innovation, and dedication to client satisfaction positions them as a true leader. I wholeheartedly recommend Khalid Anwar & Co to potential clients seeking exceptional legal support that consistently exceeds expectations.’

‘Raashid Anwar and Jawad Qureshi are driving forces of excellence. Anwar’s visionary leadership blends legal expertise with strategic thinking, while Qureshi’s precision and communication skills simplify complexities. Their commitment to client success, innovation, and technology sets them apart.’

‘Associates’ passion for learning and collaboration adds value. Integrity, client-centricity, and deep legal knowledge are qualities I admire. Together, they create an exceptional team that consistently delivers outstanding legal support and fosters strong client relationships.’

‘The team is very professional, and they have an advance understanding of the law. They keep themselves updated with regard to changes made in law and relevant court decisions. Their communication skills are excellent.’

Key clients

Pakistan Telecommunication Employees Trust

Pepsi Cola International

Gul Ahmed Textile Mills Ltd

Procter and Gamble Pakistan Ltd

Fatima Fertilizer Company Ltd

Indus Motor Company

Sapphire Textile Mills

Work highlights

  • Represented high-net-worth individuals in challenging a tax levy on constitutional grounds and secured an interim relief whilst the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.
  • Represented Gul Ahmed Textile Mills in contesting a super tax imposed on them before the High Court of Sindh.

Pakistan > Labour and employment Tier 2

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.

Pakistan > TMT Tier 3

A leading law firm situated in Karachi, Khalid Anwer & Co. has recently expanded into the TMT area, representing some of the country’s principal companies, such as Telenor Pakistan (Private) Limited and Warid Telecom (Private) Limited. The team is led by a quartet of highly experienced litigators: Khalid Anwer, Raashid Anwer, Jawad Qureshi, and Yousuf Nasim.

Practice head(s):

Khalid Anwer, Raashid Anwer, Jawad Qureshi; Yousaf Nasim.

Key clients

Telenor Pakistan (Private) Limited

Mashreq Global Services (SMC) Private Ltd.

Pakistan > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

Headquartered in Karachi, Khalid Anwer & Co. advises many leading banks, companies, and industrial conglomerates on corporate and M&A transactions. The firm has seen a recent expansion in its corporate advisory work and is led by managing partner, Raashid Anwer, who specialises in privatisation projects, joint venture agreements, and corporate restructurings. Anwer is supported by Yousuf Nasim who leverages his fifteen years of experience in corporate law.

Practice head(s):

Raashid Anwer; Yousuf Nasim

Testimonials

‘This firm and its team are capable and approachable.’

‘The team is always forthcoming, humble and polite. They respect deadlines enabling their clients to bank upon them in making critical decisions.’

 

Work highlights

  • Represented the sponsors of the Metro Group, one of Pakistan’s leading industrial groups, in acquiring 26% shareholding in Agha Steel Industries Limited.  
  • Advised the Sapphire Group in relation to a complex restructuring of their group companies.

The firm: The firm Khalid Anwer & Co. is a leading law firm in Pakistan. The senior partner, Mr Khalid Anwer, is one of the most senior advocates of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He has been appearing before the superior courts of Pakistan for almost five decades. The firm has a total strength of 16 lawyers, with associate firms in Lahore and Islamabad.

Areas of practice: The firm has been at the forefront of high-profile constitutional and commercial litigation since Pakistan’s independence. Mr Anwer has been involved in several landmark constitutional and commercial cases. He appeared for the current Prime Minister, Mr Nawaz Sharif, successfully challenging the dismissal of his government by the then President of Pakistan. He thereafter appeared on behalf of the President of Pakistan to successfully defend the dismissal of the second government of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He was also engaged to challenge the military takeover by the then Chief of Army staff General Pervez Musharraf. Recently, Mr Anwer successfully defended the Federal Government in cases before the Supreme Court of Pakistan challenging the constitutionality and vires of the 18th and 21st amendments to the Constitution of Pakistan in a landmark judgment that will determine whether the Supreme Court has the power to strike down a constitutional amendment.

The firm provides a large range of services, including litigation and advisory services. Its clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small companies. It regularly represents and advises the State Bank of Pakistan (Pakistan’s Central Bank), the Karachi Stock Exchange and the Central Depository Company. It is currently representing and advising the five largest banks in Pakistan (National Bank, Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank and Allied Bank), the two largest insurance companies (Adamjee Insurance and EFU Insurance), the three largest industrial conglomerates (Nishat Group, Yunus Brothers Group and Sapphire Group), the largest textile company (Gul Ahmed Textile Mills), the two largest cement companies (Lucky Cement and DG Khan Cement), as well as a range of multinational companies (Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Procter & Gamble, Schlumberger, EMC, Toyota, Reyroile, Akzo Nobel and Reckitt Benckiser).

The firm recently obtained relief for ten independent power producers from the Supreme Court of Pakistan arising from defaults on sovereign guarantees of the government of Pakistan. In addition, the firm successfully represented all of the major oil and gas powered IPPs against the government of Pakistan in ADR proceedings relating to disputes regarding payments of billions of Rupees. The determination in these ADR proceedings is expected to have a major impact on the IPP sector as a whole and on the circular debt issue. The firm has been engaged by over 40 companies to challenge the vires of the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess Act 2015 – the potential tax liability involved is several billion Rupees. It is also representing several cellular operators (including M/s Warid, Telenor, Ufone & Zong) in relation to a sales tax dispute of over Rs50bn. The firm also recently advised Sui Southern Gas Company in relation to a dispute involving a tender valued at $5bn for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal. The firm has recently represented the shareholders of a company in a shareholders dispute arising from the demerger of a company in the textile industry with an annual turnover of Rs6bn.

The firm has an impressive track record in relation to transactional work. It has been involved in advising both the sponsors and lenders in relation to power projects. It is presently advising on a number of acquisitions in the power sector and is retained by the sponsors of two wind-power projects. This year the firm advised on the Rs6bn acquisition of a fertiliser company after successfully representing the buyers in litigation arising from the transaction. The firm regularly advises and represents clients in relation to corporate restructuring. It recently represented and advised sponsors of Jaffer Brothers (Pvt) Ltd and Sapphire Textile Mills Ltd in relation to their corporate restructuring.

Department Name Email Telephone
Aviation
Arbitrations (including enforcement of foreign awards)
Banking
Civil/construction
General commercial
Company (including shareholders’ rights litigation
Competition
Constitutional (including human rights)
Customs
Cyber
Intellectual property
Labour
Legislative drafting
Media
Mergers and acquisitions
Petroleum and natural resources
Privatisations
Project finance
Real estate finance
Legal secretarial services
Taxation
Telecommunications
WTO (and related matters, including anti-dumping)
Photo Name Position Profile
Syed Mustafa Ali photo Mr Syed Mustafa Ali Partner
Raashid Anwer photo Mr Raashid Anwer Managing Partner
Khalid Anwer photo Mr Khalid Anwer Senior Partner
Yousuf Nasim photo Mr Yousuf Nasim Partner
Jawad Qureshi photo Mr Jawad Qureshi Partner
Number of lawyers : 16
English
Urdu