Gul Ahmed Energy Limited (GAEL) has engaged RIAA Barker Gillette to advise on the development of Quantum Global DC, a TIER III/Rated-3 data centre, through its subsidiary Quantum Global Data Centre Limited (QGDCL). Pakistan’s digital economy is expanding rapidly. As a result, demand for secure, internationally certified digital infrastructure continues to grow. The project positions GAEL at the forefront of this shift, with RIAA providing integrated legal support at every stage.
A multidisciplinary mandate
The engagement sits at the intersection of energy, technology, corporate and infrastructure law. To date, RIAA has advised on land utilisation, including the frameworks governing land use and conversion for data centre development. In addition, the firm has guided the proposed scheme of arrangement between GAEL and QGDCL. This advice covers corporate restructuring, shareholder approvals and regulatory filings under the Companies Act, 2017.
Applying new technology zone legislation
A central pillar of the engagement involves the Special Technology Zones Authority Act, 2021 and its rules. Specifically, RIAA has advised on eligibility for technology zone status, applicable incentives and exemptions, compliance obligations and licensing requirements. The firm is among the first to apply this new statute to a live data centre project.
Contracts and investment
RIAA has also drafted and negotiated key project contracts. These include the service contract with Huawei Technologies for design, planning and development services, and a services agreement for independent owner-side advisory, project management and certification readiness. Beyond contracts, the firm is advising on a proposed joint venture agreement with financial and strategic investors. This work covers governance, equity structuring, investor protections and exit mechanisms.
“Data centres are fast becoming the backbone of Pakistan’s digital economy,” said Bilal Shaukat, Managing Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette. “This engagement reflects the convergence of energy, technology and infrastructure law, and the value of integrated advice on complex projects.”
Across all workstreams, the firm anticipates legal and regulatory issues under emerging laws and provides commercially minded guidance. Managing Partner Bilal Shaukat leads the engagement, supported by Senior Associate Ahsan Amir and Trainee Associate Rameen Asif.
For more information on data centre and digital infrastructure matters, contact Bilal Shaukat today.
This article is not legal advice; it provides information of general interest about current legal issues.
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RIAA Barker Gillette is Pakistan’s premier law firm, with an on-the-ground presence in three major cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, 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 recognise the firm as a top-tier law firm in Pakistan.
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.
