Akhund Forbes > Karachi, Pakistan > Firm Profile

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.