Akhund Forbes has a dedicated employment practice, which advises clients on a broad range of local, national and international labour and employment matters. Practice head Sahar Iqbal remains active across a wide variety of industry sectors including FMCG, energy, e-commerce, fund management and manufacturing. Iqbal is particularly recommended for her work on many non-contentious employment issues. Overall, the team remains busy advising numerous major asset management companies on a diverse range of employment matters.
Labour and employment in Pakistan
Akhund Forbes
Responsables de la pratique:
Sahar Iqbal
Les références
‘It responds promptly to labour matters and possesses a thorough understanding of local legislation. The expertise has been invaluable in guiding me through complex issues.’
‘Sahar Iqbal is great and provided me with accurate information about regional regulation.’
Principaux clients
MCB Investments Limited
InDrive
UBL Fund Managers Limited
China Power Generation Hub Company
Baker & McKenzie LLP
Globalization Partners
Muller Bleher Group
Veripark
Pay Care
NBP Fund Management Limited
Encore Pay
Beerbal & Co
Perkins Cole LLP
Sidley Austin LLP
Deutsche BAnk AG
Sofy AI
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP
Pakistan Security Printing Corporation PVT LTD
Sanofi Aventis Pakistan
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership
Daraz Pakistan
University of Sydney
Squire Patton Boggs
CMS Hasche Sigle
NCR Corporation Pakistan Ltd
NCR ATM Pakistan Pvt Ltd
APL Logistics
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Veripark, Unifonic, Globalization Partners and InDrive on various HR issues.
- Advised Karachi Down Syndrome Programme, Microsoft, UBL Fund Managers Limited, MCB Arif Habib Savings and Investments Limited, Unifonic, CMS Hasche Sigle, Deutsche Bank AG, InDrive on a wide range of employment law matters.
- Reviewed, updated and advised Global University Systems, Muller Bleher Group and Kumon Pakistan on their standard employment contracts and HR policies for Pakistan in accordance with the applicable laws.
Yousaf Amanat & Associates
Responsables de la pratique:
Yousaf Amanat: Noman Zahid
Principaux dossiers
Yousaf Amanat & Associates
Yousaf Amanat & Associates has a first-rate labour and employment practice, which routinely represents numerous major foreign clients. In addition, the group has recently been engaged by a number of international online HR platforms to review their employment contracts and advise on employee misconduct issues and data protection, another core pillar of work. Other areas of expertise include advising on gender equality and industrial relations. The Islamabad-based Yousaf Amanat is highly regarded for his wealth of experience in this area. Amanat is an Advocate of the High Courts of Pakistan. Noman Zahid, in Karachi, is another notable member.
Responsables de la pratique:
Yousaf Amanat; Noman Zahid
Les références
‘The Yousaf Amanat and Associates team’s unique practices include a strong emphasis on collaborative technology and diverse expertise.’
‘Compared to other firms, its strength lies in a highly diverse team and a proactive approach to integrating new technologies into their workflow. Its innovative approach to collaboration reflects a forward-thinking mindset, which sets them apart in the industry.’
‘Yousaf Amanat and Associates stands out due to its exceptional expertise in complex litigation and its client-centric approach. Yousaf Amanat himself is renowned for his strategic thinking and deep legal acumen, which sets him apart from competitors.’
Principaux clients
Aveint Corporation
BASF Germany
Deel
Weatherford USA
Tearfund UK
Bettersources
Edge
Oxfam
GIZ
World Bank
Principaux dossiers
- Successfully represented Weatherford Oil & Gas in a $800,000 employee claim in an arbitration before the civil court in Islamabad.
- Conducted detailed research and drafted an 80 page report on the data protection laws of Pakistan for GIZ Germany.
- Conducted detailed research for the World Bank on the employment and safety laws of Pakistan, gender equality in Pakistan, rights of children at the workplace and laws pertaining to sexual harassment.
Khalid Anwer & Co.
The team at Khalid Anwer & Co. is jointly led by Raashid Anwer and Syed Mustafa Ali. It is currently involved in several cases before the Superior Courts of Pakistan. The department is frequently instructed by banks to advise on complex labour-related matters and provide legal opinions on complicated labour and employment matters. The firm is well equipped to handle a broad range of employment matters, from large class actions to smaller disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Raashid Anwer; Syed Mustafa Ali
Autres avocats clés:
Muhammad Adil Saeed
Les références
‘Khalid Anwer & Co. has distinguished itself through its unique blend of expertise, client-centric approach, and innovative practices in labour and employment law.’
‘Potential clients should know that the team excels in providing comprehensive legal solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client. Their strengths lie in deep legal knowledge, strategic thinking, and a commitment to staying updated with the latest legal developments.’
‘The team is composed of highly skilled and experienced professionals who are dedicated to delivering the best outcomes for their clients. They invest in continuous professional development to ensure they remain at the forefront of legal practice.’
Principaux clients
State Bank of Pakistan
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd.
Pakistan Telecommunication Employees Trust
National Bank of Pakistan
Mashreq Bank
Gul Ahmed Energy Limited
United Bank Limited
MCB Bank Limited
MCB Islamic Bank Limited
Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited
Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation
Principaux dossiers
- Engaged by two scheduled banks of Pakistan, MCB Bank Limited and MCB Islamic Bank Limited, to challenge in the High Court of Sindh, the actions of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution.
- Recently engaged in the Supreme Court of Pakistan by the Pakistan Telecommunications Employees Trust, a pension fund trust of a telecoms company in Pakistan, to challenge the dismissal of an application.
AUC | Law
Amar Naseer heads a busy practice at AUC | Law, which advises on an array of contentious and non-contentious labour and employment matters. It frequently drafts employment contracts and assists clients in disputes. The group regularly helps its clients with compliance matters too. The firm’s clients range from international companies to tech companies. Muhammad Saddam Pasha is another name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Amar Naseer
Autres avocats clés:
Muhammad Saddam Pasha
Les références
‘They work with empathy at the forefront, always putting their clients first. Whether they are on a retainer or even being paid by you or not, they will always respond and always help.’
Principaux clients
Obvio Inc
Web P Ltd
Matrix Analytics, Inc. dba Eon
Artisan Coffee Roaster
USAID IPA
Pakistan Institute of Management
Seamless Distribution Systems AB
Qwqer Express Pakistan (Private) Limited
Hybrid Medics Technology (Private) Limited
DHL Pakistan ( Privaet ) Lmiited
Vyntril Technologies (Private) Limtied
MTK Technologies Pte. Ltd
Bookme Tickets (Smc-Private) Limited
Local E Store (Smc-Private) Limited
Raaziq International
Vital Agri Nutrients
Vgreen
RL Enterprises
ActiveMedia
Repairdesk
The Hive
Sperton Global
Walee Technologies
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Obvio Inc with issuing stocks to its independent contractors in Pakistan by providing a thorough analysis of the legal and tax implications under local laws.
- Assisted Matrix Analytics Inc. db EON with various matters, such as employee matters.
Kabraji & Talibuddin
Kabraji & Talibuddin fields an excellent team, which has particular experience advising businesses operating in the tech sector, and with start-ups. It frequently works with foreign entities carrying out business in Pakistan. The group often advises clients on a broad range of employment and labour-related transactions and disputes. Areas of focus span advising on workplace harassment claims, employment contracts and policies. It is collectively led by Syed Ali Bin Maaz, Maheen Faruqui, Maria Ahmad and Alizeh Bashir.
Responsables de la pratique:
Syed Ali Bin Maaz; Maheen Faruqui; Maria Ahmad; Alizeh Bashir
Les références
‘Very responsive and practical advice.’
‘I have worked with the employment teams on global projects and their advice has always been very commercial.’
Principaux clients
Rippling
Oraan Tech (Private) Limited
Evergreen Services Group, LLC
The Crying Tiger
Canva
HRCG Care Group
JP Morgan Pakistan
S&P Global, Inc.
Maersk Pakistan (Private) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Canva regarding the applicability of labour laws to a foreign entity, in particular on issues relating to criminal sanctions, personal liability of directors, and registration/licensing requirements.
- Advised Maersk Pakistan (Private) Limited on various labour and employment-related matters across its offices and factory locations in Pakistan.
- Acted for Rippling in drafting employment agreements, and carried out global compliance research on labour/employment laws in Pakistan.
Kilam Law
Kilam Law fields a versatile team with a wealth of experience in advising public sector entities, government-owned companies, private entities and individuals on a range of labour and employment matters. It often advises clients on compliance and regulatory requirements, as well as representing them in court. Other key areas of focus span drafting employment contracts and advising on post-termination matters, as well as on industrial disputes. Ali Ibrahim, Haris Azmat and Taimur Malik are at the helm.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ali Ibrahim; Haris Azmat; Taimur Malik
Les références
‘It is a good law firm with multiple kinds of services in all fields of law and ADR. ’
‘They are competent, diligent and responsive to our requirements and demands with diligence.’
‘Mr. Ali Ibrahim – in labour-related matters, he often provides us detailed legal opinions on our statutory obligations, our exposure in any particular matter, advice regarding employment terminations, etc. Mr Ibrahim has a great understanding of labour laws and how they are practised.’
Principaux clients
Descon Engineering Limited
Water & Power Development Authority
SPG Prints B.V
Intech Process Automation (Pvt.) Limited
Red Bull (FZE Dubai & Pakistan)
Interloop Limited
Buch Hospital (Pvt) Limited
Clyde & Co. LLP (Dubai)
New Era Technology Private Limited
Conatural Beauty Pvt Ltd
Dhabi Hospitality Private Limited
AlphaBold Inc. USA
Century Insurance Company Limited
National School of Public Policy (NSPP)
EFU General Insurance Limited
The United Insurance Company of Pakistan Limited
Pakistan Institute of Fashion & Design (PIFD)
Kaizen Paint (Pvt) Limited (Formerly “Kansai Paints”)
Plastech Autosafe (Pvt) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising AlphaBold Pakistan, a multi-national IT Company operating from Pakistan and the USA, on various employment matters.
- Representing Pakistan Water & Power Development Authority in over 30 labour and employment matters before the Federal Service Tribunal and 14 matters before the Lahore High Court.
- Advised SPG Prints B.V about its rights and liabilities emanating from a dispute with its MD of the Pakistan Office.
Liaquat Merchant Associates
The nimble team at Liaquat Merchant Associates advises domestic and international clients on all aspects of employment and labour law, as well as human resource management. It is experienced at representing companies, employees and civil servants before the High Courts, Labour Courts and the Service Tribunals. Faresa Jafarey Ahsan heads the practice, which advises on diverse matters, such as regulatory requirements and dispute resolution. Hira Ahmad regularly drafts HR policies, and employment contracts for some key clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Faresa Jafarey Ahsan
Autres avocats clés:
Hira Ahmad
Principaux clients
DLA Piper (Middle East, UK, Hong Kong, The Netherlands)
PwC LLP
Finca Microfinance Bank
Entravision – Jack of Digital
Engro Corporation
Principaux dossiers
- Engaged by DLA Piper UK for its client Uber to advise on specific queries on maternity and paternity leave for employees in Pakistan.
- Advised on specific queries for the employees of vendors on labour and employment laws.
- Acted for the marketing company for TikTok in Pakistan in the drafting of its standard employment contracts for its employees based in Pakistan.
Orr, Dignam & Co.
Zahir Riaz, Aliya Yusuf and Asim Nasim collectively head an excellent team at Orr, Dignam & Co. alongside Shahid Raza and Umar Shahid. The practice regularly advises a number of international and local blue-chip companies on a range of employment matters, such as collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts. It is adept at advising clients in sectors such as energy/power, construction and mining on their regulatory requirements. In addition, the firm represents clients before various courts and tribunals. It is particularly sought after for its advice to foreign companies on the laws relating to remote workers and independent contractors.
Responsables de la pratique:
Zahir Riaz; Aliya Yusuf; Asim Nasim; Shahid Raza; Umar Shahid
Les références
‘Deep knowledge of practical considerations in the market, whether from an advisory or litigation perspective.’
‘Orr Dignam’s strengths and key capabilities are to provide real-time information and support when needed. They best utilise the legal framework to cater to any case.’
‘They provide detailed and cited information as legal aspects which provides confidence to the customers.’
Principaux clients
Uber Technologies Inc.
Fauji Foundation
British Broadcasting Corporation / BBC Pakistan (Private) Limited
S&P Global / S&P Global Pakistan (Private) Limited
Barrick Gold Corporation
Shanghai Electric
H3C Technologies Co., Limited / H3C Technologies Pakistan (Private) Limited
Kaufland Pakistan (Private) Limited
Lidl Asia Pte. Limited
Tulane University, US
Northwestern Medicine, US
United States Pharmacopeia
Sanofi Aventis Pakistan Limited / Sanofi (France)
Global Upside
Channel VAS
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, US
IDP Education Pakistan (Private) Limited
Siemens Pakistan Energy Company Limited
Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited
Pakistan LNG Limited
Ericsson Pakistan (Private) Limited / Ericsson A.G.
Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited
Kaplan Australia
IBM
Corteva Pakistan
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Reko Diq Mining Company on all employment matters in respect of the Reko Diq project.
- Advising S&P Global and its Pakistani subsidiary on various employment matters under Pakistan law.
- Regularly advises H3C Technologies Co. Limited and its subsidiary, H3C Pakistan (Private) Limited, on various employment matters.
Qureshi Law Associates
Basharat Ali Mehmood and Azhar Iqbal co-head the practice at Qureshi Law Associates, which remains busy advising on the employment aspects of key deals. The team is highly regarded for its employment advice to foreign companies when entering into a joint venture with local companies. It is particularly skilled at reviewing employment contracts and drafting handbooks.
Responsables de la pratique:
Basharat Ali Mehmood; Azhar Iqbal
Principaux clients
China ENFI Engineering Co. Ltd
Lahore Electric Supply Company Ltd
Suki Kinara
Solar Blue (Pvt) Ltd
SinoEnergy Consortium
National Insurance Company
RIAA BARKER GILLETTE
RIAA BARKER GILLETTE frequently advises key clients on a broad array of labour, employment and industrial relations issues. It is recommended for its representation of clients at the labour courts, High Courts and the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The group is led by Shafaq Rehman and covers a multitude of issues relating to employment contracts, statutory benefits and minimum wage requirements. Mayhar Mustafa Kazi is another primary contact.
Responsables de la pratique:
Shafaq Rehman
Autres avocats clés:
Mayhar Mustafa Kazi
Les références
‘Highly talented and dedicated team.’
‘Hardworking and professional individuals.’
Principaux clients
Chevron Pakistan Lubricants (Private) Limited
KCA Deutag Drilling GmbH
Barrick Gold Corporation
CCL Holding (Private) Limited
Siemens Pakistan Engineering Co. Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Chevron Pakistan Lubricants (Private) in a long-running dispute between the client and many of the workers working at its lubricants blending plant in Karachi.
- Advising Barrick Gold Corporation on all aspects of labour laws in Pakistan.
- Advising an international group in the United Arab Emirates which manufactures and markets a range of mass-market food products.