Akhund Forbes > Karachi, Pakistan > Firm Profile
Akhund Forbes Offices
D-21, BLOCK 4, CLIFTON
KARACHI 75600
Pakistan
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Akhund Forbes > The Legal 500 Rankings
Pakistan > Banking and finance Tier 1
Renowned for its expertise in high–value and complex transactions and praised for having 'rich experience in international finance transactions', Akhund Forbes boasts a full-service offering spanning sovereign debt refinancing, loans, and micro-credit transactions for a growing roster of domestic and international clients. The team is also active in advising clients on sovereign debt refinancing matters, as well as liaising with international and multilateral lenders on high-value loans to stabilise the country’s balance of payments. The group’s expertise also extends to assistance with structured sukuk and bond transactions for corporate clients. Rabel Akhund leads the practice with extensive experience acting on behalf of international financial institutions and multinational companies, and he has overseen the firm’s recent expansion to Bangladesh. Akhund is supported by Sahar Iqbal, who has been the go-to counsel for ADB and JS Bank Limited. Senior associate Bilal Awais is another notable name who has worked extensively with the China Development Bank.Practice head(s):
Rabel Akhund
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Akhund Forbes responded to us with quality feedback timely and effectively.’
‘Rabel Akhund always provided professional services for us.’
‘Very professional in banking and finance, reasonable and flexible in pricing, and can render responses very quickly.’
‘Has rich experience in international finance transactions.’
‘Rabel Akhund is very responsive and he could provide prompt, high-quality advice for urgent matters.’
‘They have good knowledge and are always available for open discussions. They always guide their clients on the expected outcome, instead of giving a rosy picture. Technologically they are very strong.’
‘Very professional people.’
Key clients
Act Polyols (Pvt) Limited
Pinsent Masons LLP
JS Bank Limited
Arif Habib Group
edotco Group Sdn Berhad
Edotco Pakistan (Private Limited)
Aisha Steel Mills Limited
Mastercard
Deutsche Bank
Credit Suisse
China Development Bank
Act Polyols
China Power Hub Generation Company Limited
FenXun Partners
Asian Development Bank
Paine Sevens LLC
Kleiner Perkins
Sequoia Capital
Privatisation Commission, Govt of Pakistan
Faysal Funds
ZoodPay
Work highlights
- Represented China Development Bank in a USD1bn and USD700m loan to the Government of Pakistan to support it with its balance of payments.
- Advised Asian Development Bank on the provision of loan facility allowing the use of village banking methodology in micro credit to alleviate poverty.
- Advised China Power Hub Generation Company Limited on the issuance of commercial and Sukuk papers amounting in excess of PKR70bn in order to manage the increasing price of imported coal in international market.
Pakistan > Capital markets Tier 1
Renowned for its adept handling of high-value, complex transactions, Akhund Forbes caters to leading international banking and fund manager companies. The firm has recently overseen the structuring of the new products for Pakistan’s revived REITs market, as well as advising public and private clients on complex regulatory mandates. The team is jointly led by Rabel Akhund in Karachi, a litigator who is renowned for spearheading cutting-edge transactions in the capital markets space, and he has overseen the firm’s international expansion in Bangladesh. Also heading the group is Sahar Iqbal, a noted specialist in capital markets who handles work for asset management companies and mutual funds.Practice head(s):
Rabel Akhund; Sahar Iqbal
Testimonials
‘The quality and valuable feedback with the case at hand and timeliness makes the partners stand out.’
‘Sahar Iqbal is instrumental and impresses with her commitment and dedication.’
‘Impressive industry knowledge.’
‘The team is fully engaged with assignments. I have found the partners spending time in preparing adequately prior to calls and engagements. They are very thorough with this work and do not delegate.’
‘I have found Rabel Akhund extremely hands-on with the subject matter and allocates significant time to smaller tasks. The ability to adapt to various situations and geographies is unparalleled.’
‘The team has sufficient experience and intellect, access to data bases, technology, collaboration with outside experts, and diversity. The team is dedicated and excellent in providing timely services.’
‘Rabel Akhund’s research on various legal matters is extensive, his legal opinions comprehensive, and his communication and presentation skills are excellent.’
‘Highly professional firm and give timely advice and present in all legal matters before appropriate forums.’
Key clients
Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management
MCB Arif Habib Investments and Savings Limited
UBL Fund Managers Limited
NBP Fund Management Limited
Ghani Builders & Developers
Faysal Funds
Arif Habib Limited
China Power Hub Generation Company Limited
Habib Rice Products Limited
Al Meezan Investment Management Limited
FTI Consulting
Credit Suisse
National Investment Trust Limited
Javedan Corporation Ltd
Work highlights
- Represented Credit Suisse and Fullerton Financial Holdings in relation to divestment.
- Advising Arif Habib Limited as Manager to the Offer on the Initial Public Offer of Dalda Foods Ltd.
- Advised Arif Habib Group on the divestment of its stake in MCB-Arif Habib Savings and Investments, which is a leading listed asset management company in Pakistan.
Pakistan > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
Renowned for its industry knowledge and experience in complex transactions, Akhund Forbes has been at the forefront of several recent high-value M&A transactions advising major asset management companies and sovereign wealth funds. Notable for its internationalist outlook, the team has recently opened an office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Other areas of expertise include growth technology and the telecomms sector. Of late, the firm advised major conglomerates such as Arif Habib, Singaporean sovereign wealth fund MCB and Qist bazaar on a variety of transactions including mergers, asset management, and equity investment. The practice is co-led by industry veteran, Rabel Akhund and Sahar Iqbal, a noted expert in privatisation and other high-value corporate transactions.Practice head(s):
Rabel Akhund; Sahar Iqbal
Testimonials
‘Rabel Akhund is very responsive and has a strong knowledge of the local laws of Pakistan, as well as a strong grasp of international best practice.’
‘Experienced and efficient.’
‘The team is dilligent and responsible.’
Key clients
Edotco Group SDN Berhad
Sumitomo Chemicals Pte Ltd
Kelly Drye & Warren LLP
Kojima Law Offices
NBP Funds Management Limited
MCB Arif Habib Savings and Investments Limited
Applus
Aisha Steel Mills Limited
Arif Habib Corporation Limited
Edotco Pakistan (Private) Limited
Edotco Towers (Private) Limited
Zhong Lun Law Firm
Baker & McKenzie LLP
Stanley Electronic CO., LTD
Thai Stanley Electric Public Co., LTD.
Facebook Inc./Meta Platforms, Inc.
Privatisation Commission, Government of Pakistan
China Power Hub Generation Company (Pvt.) Limited
Jun He Law Offices
Abraaj Pakistan Pvt Limited
Gemini Office Holdings Limited
Osborne Clarke
Kumon Institute of Education Co., Ltd.
DeHeng Law Offices
VIKOR Healthcare (Pvt.) Limited
Credit Suisse (Singapore)Limited
Habib Rice Products Limited
Kleiner Perkins
Perkins Coie LLP
Sequoia Capital
Simmons & Simmons
Karachi Down Syndrome Program
Ericsson Pakistan Private Limited
Unifonic
Vezeeta.com
Kearney
Timwetech
Stealth Startup
Encore Pay
Scilife Pvt Ltd
NDC Group
Tencent
Advaya Legal
Pay Core
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP
Dechert LLP
Asia Impact Investment Fund II (Singapore) VCC
GEAPP UK Limited
Müller & Bleher Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Marshall, Gerstein & BorunLLP
Spotify
Qist Bazaar
Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan
Sanofi Aventis Pakistan
JS Bank Limited
Advans Pakistan
Sidley Austin
Sofy AI
Beerbabl & Co
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership
Work highlights
- Advised Qist Bazaar on Bank Alfalah’s equity investment in and embedded financing for Qist Bazaar which is a leading buy-now-pay-later company.
- Advising on the sale of a client’s shares in one of Pakistan’s leading and listed AMCs to the other sponsor which is one of the top 5 commercial banks of Pakistan.
- Advised Credit Suisse and Fullerton Financial Holdings in relation to divestment.
Pakistan > Labour and employment Tier 1
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.
Pakistan > Projects and energy Tier 1
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.Practice head(s):
Rabel Akhund; Sahar Iqbal
Testimonials
‘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.’
‘Their proactive attitude, commitment to the project, and availability for the client make them stand out.’
Key clients
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
Work highlights
- 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.
Pakistan > TMT Tier 1
Headquartered in Karachi, Akhund Forbes boasts a full-service TMT offering with expertise and in-depth knowledge of the fintech, gaming, and IT sectors. Well-versed in high-value and complex deals, the department regularly advises global businesses, as well as the burgeoning start-up sector, on Pakistan’s investment and regulatory landscape. The team is co-led by Rabel Akhund, a veteran of the industry, and Sahar Iqbal, a noted practitioner in the TMT field who specialises in complex transactions.Practice head(s):
Rabel Akhund; Sahar Iqbal
Testimonials
‘Akhund Forbes is a very good firm with broad telecoms experience. I have found the firm both commercial and very practical in its advice. They are also very responsive and cost effective, plus a pleasure to work with.’
‘Rabel Akhund is excellent.’
‘In-depth knowledge of laws and statutes along with industry-specific knowledge.’
‘Akhund Forbes stands out for multiple reasons, namely their ability to understand the client’s specific needs, market dynamics, promptness in giving feedback, and legal opinion.’
Key clients
Edotco Group SDN Berhad
NBP Fund Management Limited
Baker & McKenzie LLP
Spotify
MCB Arif Habib Investments and Savings Limited
Edotco Pakistan (Private) Limited
Edotco Towers (Private) Limited
UBL Fund Managers Limited
Mastercard
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 of 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
Work highlights
- Advising Meta Platforms Inc. on various telecommunication infrastructure related matters, providing complex regulatory advice related to undersea data and telecom cable landing rights and stations.
- Advising Qist Bazaar, a leading Buy-Now-Pay-Later company, on Bank Alfalah’s equity investment and embedded financing.
- Advising EncorePay on all aspects of their business, including their corporate structure, commercial contracts, joint venture arrangements, and investments.
- Banking and finance
- Capital markets
- Corporate and M&A
- Labour and employment
- Projects and energy
- TMT