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November 15, 2024

RIAA advises BYD on strategic entry into Pakistan’s EV Market

RIAA Barker Gillette Pakistan advised BYD on licensing of its technology to Mega Motor Company (Private) Limited for assembly of EVs in Pakistan.

representation of a BYD EV

RIAA Barker Gillette successfully advised BYD, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, on its strategic entry into Pakistan. The landmark partnership with Mega Motor Company, a Hub Power Holdings Limited subsidiary, marks a significant development in Pakistan’s emerging electric vehicle sector.

The firm’s mandate encompassed structuring a complex technical licensing framework that addressed critical regulatory considerations, including foreign exchange regulations, intellectual property protection, and technical compliance requirements. Our team developed solutions to navigate Pakistan’s regulatory landscape while ensuring robust protection of BYD’s proprietary technology and quality standards.

This transaction represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s automotive sector transformation. Local assembly operations are set to commence by 2026. The project  aligns with Pakistan’s transition towards sustainable transportation, with electric vehicles projected to constitute up to 50% of the country’s auto sales by 2030

“This transaction demonstrates Pakistan’s growing attractiveness for global automotive manufacturers in the EV space,” said Bilal Shaukat, Managing Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette Pakistan. “Our role was to create a robust legal framework that protects BYD’s interests while facilitating their contribution to Pakistan’s sustainable transportation future.”

The successful completion of this transaction positions BYD to establish a significant manufacturing presence in Karachi, marking a pivotal development in Pakistan’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

Our team was led by the Managing Partner of Pakistan, Bilal Shaukat, and included Senior Associate Parus Qureshi and Trainee Associate Sameer Arshad.

Contact Bilal Shaukat today for more information on our expertise in Pakistan’s auto manufacturing sector.

This article is not legal advice; it provides information of general interest about current legal issues.


RIAA Barker Gillette is Pakistan’s premier law firm, with an on-the-ground presence in four major cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, and affiliated offices in Dubai (DIFC) and London.

The firm practices in all areas of corporate, commercial and dispute resolution law. Leading international legal directories consistently recognize the firm as a top-tier law firm in Pakistan.

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RIAA Barker Gillette is the exclusive member firm in Pakistan for Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms with in-depth experience in over 125 countries worldwide.  

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  • Chambers Asia Pacific 2022
    "RIAA are responsive, professional and polite in explaining their advice, well researched in their opinions, and reliable in their response time… they also share commercial and operational consequences of the options presented in their advice. We are very happy with their support…." - Chambers Asia Pacific 2022

  • The Legal 500 2022
    “RIAA has an excellent litigation practice that advises on the full range of contentious issues as well as international arbitrations. The practice regularly handles all forms of civil, commercial, corporate, regulatory and white-collar crime matters before all the courts in Pakistan. It has extensive experience in a diverse range of industry sectors …” – The Legal 500 2022

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  • The Legal 500 2022
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  • Legal 500 2021
    We have worked with RIAA Barker Gillette for many years on a number of matters, including regulatory issues, labor, general corporate, competition law, and tax matters…..We have found high-quality lawyers across disciplines, who are able to balance the requirement for technically sound advice while also being practical and solution-orientated - Legal 500 2021

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