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Band 1 ranked across all major practices.
Capability
Our expertise
From venture capital acquisitions to multibillion-dollar pipelines.
Expertise
Our expertise
Over 35 years shaping Pakistan’s corporate and commercial landscape.
Experience
Our expertise
Band 1 ranked across all major practices.
Capability
Our expertise
From venture capital acquisitions to multibillion-dollar pipelines.
Expertise
Our expertise
Over 35 years shaping Pakistan’s corporate and commercial landscape.
Experience
Our expertise
Pakistan law firm
RIAA Barker Gillette—Pakistan’s leading full-service law firm with offices in Dubai DIFC and London, and Lex Mundi’s exclusive member—delivers cross-border legal excellence from offices nationwide.
Band 1 ranked across corporate, banking, M&A, projects, trade remedies and disputes, we’ve shaped Pakistan’s legal landscape for over 35 years. We drafted the telecommunications and oil & gas laws, acted on landmark deals from the nation’s first venture capital investment to its largest privatizations and advised on 90% of power projects starting with Hubco. From Jinnah Airport to Pakistan’s first deep-sea container terminal, we’ve advised on the country’s defining infrastructure. Our litigation and arbitration practices across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad set precedents in complex, high-stakes disputes.
When Pakistan’s market leaders and global giants face complexity, they choose us. The proof: two decades of top-tier rankings and clients who shape the world.
DHA City: advising on first developer NEPRA distribution licence
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has granted DHA Energy Supply Company (DESCO) two licences for DHA City Karachi. The first is a NEPRA distribution licence, and the second makes DESCO the development's supplier of last resort. RIAA Barker Gillette advised DESCO throughout the application. No licensee outside the l...
Pakistan safeguard investigation: NTC initiates first CPFTA case
The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has initiated Pakistan's first safeguard investigation, acting on an application that RIAA Barker Gillette prepared for the domestic industry. The case concerns a surge in imports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord from China. It proceeds under Article 27 of the&nbs...
Islamic financing behind Pakistan’s landmark PIA privatisation
In June 2026, management control of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) passed to PIA Equity Limited, completing Pakistan's first major privatisation in nearly two decades. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation and including Lake City Holdings had won the December 2025 auction, with a PKR 135 billion bid se...
A Vessel Renamed, Reflagged and Sold — and Still Arrested in Karachi
A shipowner that sees an arrest coming has a familiar playbook. Sell the vessel to a fresh company, reflag it and give it a new name, all before the claimant can act. The Sindh High Court has now confirmed that those manoeuvres will not, by themselves, defeat an arrest, at least where the claimant can show the sale for the façade it is. Acting for the cargo owner, Orkun Group Zanzi...
Shahmeer Naveed Arshad Joins RIAA Barker Gillette as Partner
RIAA Barker Gillette is pleased to announce the appointment of Shahmeer Naveed Arshad as a Partner, based in the firm's Lahore office. The induction of Shahmeer Naveed Arshad strengthens the firm's national practice and marks another milestone in the growth of the Lahore office.
What clients say...
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025
"RIAA Barker Gillette has always had the most apt ability to handle, manage and steer complex and difficult matters in the right legal direction."
Legal 500 2025
"We have worked with RIAA on a number of complex multi-jurisdictional matters. Throughout, they provided not only exceptional local advice but proved excellent at collaborating with firms across the world. They were instrumental in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy."
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025
"Our operation is complex and has many nuances, and they have helped us navigate all of them promptly and professionally."
Legal 500 2024
"Very professional firm, able to provide clear, concise and constructive advice. Proven very astute in formulating overall strategies of engagement."
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024
"RIAA is highly professional, meeting tight deadlines with the utmost proficiency. They have always come up with out-of-the-box solutions."
