The impressive team at Akhund Forbes remains busy advising global technology giants like Meta and Spotify on the Pakistani corporate landscape, while also handling complex cross-border issues in aviation, real estate, and sovereign asset management. The group has recently launched a dedicated ESG Advisory Arm, supporting clients in navigating the growing demand for responsible, sustainable, and climate-conscious business and investment conduct; the advisory services are frequented by clients in the energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. The firm also boasts a growing small and mid-cap domestic practice. Rabel Akhund spearheads the practice and is noted for his work in regulatory matters and consumer protection. Sahar Iqbal works alongside Akhund, specialising in M&A. Bilal Awais is another key name in the department.
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Profile
Position
Partner
Career
Sahar joined Akhund Forbes in 2009 immediately after being called to the Bar of England & Wales and was made a Partner in 2013. Sahar obtained her LL.B (Hons) degree from University of London and is an Advocate of the High Courts in Pakistan.
Sahar specializes in Corporate and M&A, Capital Markets, TMT, Private Equity, Joint Ventures,Funds & Asset Management, Employment, Infrastructure & Projects at Akhund Forbes. Sahar draws upon her strengths acquired from assuming responsibility of and working on important and complex transactions throughout her career at Akhund Forbes and has advised the Firm’s major clients on multi hundred million dollar transactions.
Sahar has the singular distinction of being recognized by Legal500 as “Leading Individual” in multiple practice areas (Corporate, M&A and Capital Markets) and is also well regarded for her work on TMT, Projects, Infrastructure, Energy, Banking, Finance and Employment Law. Legal500 quotes clients a saying the following about her:
‘Sahar Iqbal is a valuable resource at the firm and is highly rated. She provides dedicated services throughout the transaction along with support post-closure as well. She immediately attended to our concerns and we were quite pleased by her instant grasp and understanding of the matter at hand. She and her team did indeed make this rather complicated matter quite easy for us.’
‘Sahar Iqbal very clearly explained the complexities of the case and walked us through it all, thereby alleviating our fears and concerns by simplifying the matter until we were very comfortable with it. She is very open to new suggested approaches, and she leverages her extensive experience to facilitate sound advice around those new approaches. Sahar Iqbal is instrumental and impresses with her commitment and dedication.’
‘Sahar Iqbal provides practical advice that allows us to easily create actionable options for our business and she makes herself available to answer queries. She is very pro-active and in a very quick time understands the very dimensions of the issues, and has skills to think outside the box.’
Sahar is also a ranked lawyer for Corporate/Commercial in the latest edition of Chambers and Partners and is described as: “a very talented lawyer, who clearly has a lot of experience working with large clients, and on complicated matters. Her advice is easy to implement because it is always practical and succinct. She is one of the most responsive and attentive lawyers that I have ever worked with.”
Sahar is recognised as a Notable Practitioner for Capital Markets and Corporate and M&A in Pakistan in the latest edition of Asialaw.
Sahar is ranked as a Band 1 Practioner by Legal Media 360 and is also ranked by Top Ranked Legal.
Sahar is also an officer of the prestigious International Bar Association and is regularly called upon to contribute publications and speak at national and international platforms. She is also a member of Women’s Standing Committee of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry.
Languages
English, Urdu
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sahar Iqbal showed great expertise on e-commerce regulation in Pakistan, and she always provided swift and high quality responses.’
‘Sahar Iqbal is a knowledgeable and engaging colleague.’
‘The team is highly professional, easy to reach and uncomplicated.'
'Akhund Forbes’ Corporate and M&A practice stands out for its deep expertise and strategic insight in handling complex transactions. The practice’s unique strength lies in its comprehensive approach to corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions, providing highly effective and tailored legal solutions. Potential clients should know about the team’s capabilities in managing large-scale deals and navigating intricate regulatory environments.'
'Their proficiency in structuring transactions, negotiating terms, and offering strategic advice ensures that client objectives are met efficiently and effectively. Their meticulous due diligence and risk mitigation strategies are particularly noteworthy.'
'The practice is distinguished by its innovative use of technology. The team utilises advanced tools to streamline deal management and enhance client communication, including secure digital platforms for real-time updates and efficient document handling. Diversity is a key aspect of the team, with professionals from varied backgrounds contributing a broad range of perspectives. This inclusive approach enriches their problem-solving abilities and is especially valuable in global transactions.'
Key clients
- King & Wood Mallesons, Singapore and China
- Risk Management Services LLC
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership
- NBP Funds Management Limited
- MCB Investments Limited
- Arif Habib Corporation Limited
- Zhong Lun Law Firm
- Baker & McKenzie LLP
- Stanley Electronic CO., LTD
- THAI STANLEY ELECTRIC PUBLIC CO., LTD.
- Privatisation Commission, Government of Pakistan
- China Power Hub Generation Company (Pvt.) Limited
Work highlights
Advised Helmerich & Payne, Inc. on the Pakistan aspects of its acquisition of KCA Deutag.
Advising Ingredion Inc on the divestiture of its stake in Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited.
Advised Levi Strauss Inc on the Pakistan law aspects of its sale of the Dockers brand.