Liaquat Merchant Associates > Karachi, Pakistan > Firm Profile

Liaquat Merchant Associates > The Legal 500 Rankings

Pakistan > Banking and finance Tier 1

A leading firm with a long-established banking practice, Liaquat Merchant Associates advises clients on the full breadth of banking and finance legal services with expertise in Islamic and Sharia compliant modes of financing. The team is well-versed in structuring corporate and consumer financing, leveraged and acquisition financing, and electronic banking. The department is chaired by experienced banking practitioner Faresa Jafarey Ahsan. She is supported by Hira Ahmad, who advises leading banks on finance agreements and regulatory matters, and senior associates Surrina Nasir and Asad Karim.

Pakistan > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Comprising a large specialist M&A team, Liaquat Merchant Associates offers a full-service corporate and commercial offering from incorporations and financing to winding-up and liquidation. The team regularly acts for government entities, multinationals, and leading banks, and has particular expertise in the areas of privatisation and the pharmaceutical sector. The team is led by Karachi-based Faresa Jafarey Ahsan. Ahsan is supported by Shayan Ahmed, who advises on regulatory matters across a range of industries and on corporate, competition, employment, and investment matters and Mustafa Mumtaz , who handles complex transactions and sales.

Pakistan > Projects and energy Tier 2

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.

Pakistan > TMT Tier 2

Liaquat Merchant Associates is headquartered in Karachi and regularly advises leading banks and software companies, boasting an in-depth knowledge of Pakistan’s telecoms sector. The team frequently drafts documents on software applications, licensing agreements, and outsourcing agreements. Of recent note, it has further developed its practice in the technology sphere, and is assisting startups looking to expand into the territory. The practice is led by the acclaimed senior partner Faresa Jafarey Ahsan, who is noted for her experience representing telecoms companies in licensing matters. She is supported by Mustafa Mumtaz, an expert in corporate and commercial law, as well as raising investor funds for major clients in the internet streaming industry, and UK-based practitioner Hira Ahmad.

Pakistan > Capital markets Tier 3

Specializing in transactional and non-contentious matters, Liaquat Merchant Associates is well-known for advising clients on the national regulatory landscape and listings on the Pakistani Stock Exchange. Of recent note, the firm has acted on behalf of HBL Asset Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of one of the largest and oldest banks in Pakistan. The team is led by industry veteran Faresa Jafarey Ahsan, who represents many of the country’s leading banks. She is supported by Shayan Ahmed, who plays a key role in advising the Pakistani Stock Exchange on new products, compliancy issues, and securities, and Hira Ahmed, who is based in the UK.

Pakistan > Labour and employment Tier 3

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.

Pakistan > Dispute resolution Tier 4

Headquartered in Karachi, Liaquat Merchant Associates' dispute resolution practice enjoys a strong reputation in the fields of medical negligence and civil and administrative transactions, and the group frequently represents leading energy companies, banks, and hospitals. Industry veteran Liaquat Merchant heads the practice and is supported by Shayan Ahmed, who is well-regarded for obtaining interim injunctions from the high court and the resolution of complex litigation.

Pakistan > Real estate and construction