The projects and energy team at Akhund Forbes boasts a wealth of experience across a range of sectors, such as public sector, mining and minerals, and infrastructure. The department regularly engages with the government of Sindh on its waste and conversion projects, offering comprehensive support, from drafting legal and regulatory framework to advising on carbon market policies. This thriving practice is also active in advising on the BRT Yellow Line Project in Karachi and supporting the introduction of EV cars in Pakistan. Sahar Iqbal co-heads the team; she is celebrated for her commitment to helping improve the sanitation index in Sindh and her work is being used as models across governments in Pakistan. Fellow co-head Rabel Akhund brings over twenty-five years of expertise to the firm and is highly regarded for his cross-border work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Sahar Iqbal's distinction stems from her profound engagement with the global water, sanitation, and energy nexus. She has a unique strategic foresight into emerging global policies and a multidisciplinary acumen that blends public law, project finance, and ESG standards. Ultimately, her standout quality is the ability to translate this high-level international discourse into granular, actionable legal strategies for domestic projects.’
- "Being a team, they are well coordinated and communicate strengths and key capabilities, and how it compares to other firms. Being a very gelled team, every member of the team is a team player and never goes for a solo flight without being internally updated. As far as communication with the client and the assessments of case scenarios they are very creative and spontaneously innovative.’
- ‘The team has strong internal communication, every individual member of them is well abreast with the required information and well aware of the roadmap.'
- ‘I found Sahar Iqbal to be very knowledgeable, collaborative and respectful. She is also prompt when it comes to getting work done, in fact I found her pace of delivery exceed expectations.’
- ‘I have had the opportunity of knowing Sahar Iqbal who is who is a remarkable partner due to her extensive knowledge, approachability, and attention to detail.’
- ‘Complete command of the nuances of local laws and regulations and a focus on candid advice.’
Key clients
- THAI STANLEY ELECTRIC PUBLIC CO., LTD.
- Stanley Electronic CO., LTD
- Siegwerk Pakistan
- Siegwerk Group
- Rotopack
- Helm Industries
- China Power Hub Generation Company (Private) Limited
- Zhong Lun Law Firm
- Government of Sindh
- Sindh Mass Transit Authority
- Sindh Solid Waste Management Board
- Punjab Central Business District Development Authority
Work highlights
Advising the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board and World Bank-backed projects on legal structuring, waste-to-energy, and regulatory reform in Karachi.
Advising the Sindh Mass Transit Authority and World Bank on the multi-million dollar BRT Yellow Line project in Karachi, a transformative urban mobility initiative.
Advising BYD Auto Industry, top-selling battering EV manufacturer in the world, on introducing EV cars in Pakistan.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Rabel Akhund
Practice head
Rabel Akhund; Sahar Iqbal