Skip to main content

Pakistan Public Private Partnership Laws 2025

Pakistan Public Private Partnership Laws 2025

We authored the Pakistan chapter of the Lexology Panoramic Guide on Public-Private Partnerships 2025, which offers an authoritative overview of the country’s evolving PPP landscape. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of key topics, including the regulatory regime, procurement process, contractual provisions, risk allocation, financing, and dispute resolution applicable to PPP transactions in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s PPP framework has undergone significant development in recent years as the government increasingly turns to private sector participation to address infrastructure gaps and drive economic growth. The Pakistan chapter examines the evolution of the PPP regime, with dedicated federal and provincial laws now providing the primary legal framework, supplemented by sector-specific regulations.

Various PPP models have been successfully implemented in Pakistan, including build-operate-transfer (BOT), build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT), and design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT). This flexibility has enabled private investment across sectors like transportation, energy, healthcare and education.

The guide analyzes Pakistan’s PPP procurement framework, outlining key stages such as project identification, feasibility studies, bidding, and contract award. Key insights include an analysis of the typical contractual arrangements under PPP agreements, including allocating risks related to design, construction, operation, maintenance, and termination. The guide also discusses the available government support, security, and step-in rights for lenders. The publication examines successful case studies across sectors to offer practical recommendations for structuring bankable PPP projects.

Financing is crucial for PPP viability. The guide explores available structures, including project finance, viability gap funding, and government guarantees. It discusses developments like the Pakistan Infrastructure Bank, which aims to mobilize private capital. Government support mechanisms such as land acquisition assistance, tax incentives, and forex hedging facilities are also covered.

The guide compares PPP approaches across provinces, each with its own PPP laws and policies. Punjab and Sindh have proactively established dedicated PPP units and leveraging PPPs for infrastructure development.

Recent trends include increased adoption of unsolicited proposals, where private sector entities proactively identify and propose PPP projects to the government, and greater emphasis on enhancing public sector capacity to manage PPPs effectively.

A Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette, who co-authored the guide, notes commented:

“As Pakistan accelerates infrastructure development in the energy, transport, social infrastructure, and urban sectors through private participation, this guide is an essential resource for understanding the PPP landscape. Recent developments such as introduction of standardized bidding documents, and increased focus on unsolicited proposals are transforming the PPP landscape. The guide will be particularly useful for investors, developers, and lenders evaluating opportunities in Pakistan’s burgeoning PPP market.”

For more information on public private partnerships in Pakistan, please access The Lexology Panoramic Guide on Public-Private Partnerships or contact Bilal Shaukat, the Managing Partner of RIAA Barker Gillette Pakistan

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Pakistan Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution 2024

Pakistan Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution 2024

We authored the Pakistan chapter of the Chambers Global Practice Guide: Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution 2024, an essential reference for understanding the legal and regulatory framework governing Pakistan’s dynamic power sector.

The comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the laws and policies shaping Pakistan’s power generation, transmission and distribution. It begins with an overview of the power industry’s structure and ownership, highlighting the roles of key state-owned entities like WAPDA, NTDC, and DISCOs and the growing private sector participation through independent power producers (IPPs).

The chapter examines the electricity sector regulatory regime under the NEPRA Act and recent amendments aimed at fostering competition and enabling a deregulated market through the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) model. It also discusses provincial power sector regulators and the role of the Council of Common Interests.

Pakistan’s electricity supply mix, dominated by thermal and hydro with a growing share of renewables, is analyzed. The guide also delves into the legal and regulatory processes for constructing and operating generation facilities, transmission lines and distribution networks, including licensing, tariff determinations and approvals.

The chapter provides insights into Pakistan’s electricity import arrangements and the framework for cross-border trade. Furthermore, it highlights unique aspects of Pakistan’s power sector, such as attractive returns for investors, the challenge of circular debt, and the push towards indigenous energy resources and competitive procurement.

Recent policies like the Alternative & Renewable Energy Policy 2019 and the Transmission Line Policy 2015 are discussed, underscoring the government’s focus on sustainability, competition and private investment in the power sector’s development.

“This guide is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate Pakistan’s complex power sector regulations and capitalize on the immense opportunities it presents,” commented Nadir Altaf (Partner – Pakistan) at RIAA Barker Gillette.

Please read the Pakistan chapter of the Chambers Global Practice Guide: Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution 2024.

For expert advice on power sector regulations, please contact Nadir Altaf.

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Doing Business in Pakistan 2024

Doing Business in Pakistan

We authored the Pakistan chapter of the Chambers Global Practice Guide: Doing Business In 2024, an essential reference for businesses and investors seeking to navigate Pakistan’s legal framework.

The comprehensive guide provides an accessible overview of Pakistan’s judicial system and laws relating to foreign investment, companies, employment, tax regime, competition, intellectual property and data protection. It also highlights recent policies and reforms impacting the business environment.

The comprehensive guide highlights the country’s liberal foreign investment regime, with most sectors open to investment with no minimum capital requirements. The guide details the recent establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to attract foreign investment and streamline approval processes and recent investment promotion legislation, including the Foreign Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 2022, and the Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Act 2022.

The chapter also discusses companies, and outlines incorporation processes, management structure, directors duties and ongoing reporting obligations. Employment law is also thoroughly discussed, including regulations for workers and managers, employment contracts, termination and collective bargaining.

Major federal and provincial taxes applicable to employees and businesses are also examined, including tax credits and incentives available in Special Economic Zones, Special Technology Zones, and Export Processing Zones, as well as rules on tax consolidation, thin capitalization, transfer pricing, and anti-evasion.

Competition law is also addressed, focusing on merger control, cartels, and abuse of dominant position. Furthermore, the chapter provides an overview of intellectual property rights in Pakistan, terms of protection, and enforcement mechanisms. While noting the absence of comprehensive data protection legislation, the guide highlights relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

Lastly, the guide discusses upcoming legal reforms, including the draft Arbitration Bill, which aims to modernize Pakistan’s arbitration regime in accordance with the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration.

For an in-depth look at Pakistan’s business laws, please consult the Pakistan chapter of the Chambers Global Practice Guide for Doing Business in Pakistan 2024.

For more information, please contact Hasnain Naqvee, Bilal Shaukat, Mayhar Kazi and Shafaq Rehman.

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Public-Private Partnership Projects in Punjab

Public-Private Partnership Projects in Punjab Graphic

The Government of Punjab is turning a corner in Public Private Partnership projects as it announces a new era of bankable public-private partnership project structures along the lines of the projects developed by the Government of Sindh.

Introduction

At a recent investor conference, the Government of Punjab’s Communications and Works Department (C&W) announced that it plans to tender several new road infrastructure projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

Background

C&W’s future plans are informed by lessons learned from the first PPP project of the C&W Department, Government of Punjab (GoPb), namely the dualisation of the 43-kilometer Sheikhupura-Gujranwala road, developed by Shajar Roads Limited (the Project). Our team acted as project counsel for Shajar Roads in this landmark project.

Lessons Learnt

In response to the case study on challenges faced by the Project presented by Shajar Roads’ financial advisor, IQ Capital, C&W responded with the following solutions.

Cost Escalation Support: One of the critical issues faced in the Sheikhupura-Gujranwala project was cost overruns due to delays in obtaining the project site. To mitigate such risks in future projects, the GoPb will bear the costs of post-bid price escalations for essential raw materials like cement, steel, and bitumen and may also backstop unforeseeable hikes in interest rates.

Minimum Revenue Guarantees: The GoPB will provide minimum revenue guarantees to address the financial viability of projects with low traffic volumes. This ensures that concessionaires are protected against shortfalls in expected toll revenue.

Provincial Guarantee with Debit Authority: The GoPB will offer a provincial guarantee with a debit authority over its account maintained with the State Bank of Pakistan. Commercial banks now expect this security measure. It will enhance project bankability by providing a reliable backstop for the Government’s termination payment obligations and avoiding project sponsors having to create security over non-project assets.

Amended PPP Law: Additionally, the existing Public-Private Partnership Act 2019 was identified as overly complex, with multiple bodies involved in project conception and execution, leading to delays and inefficiencies. Amendments are being proposed to streamline the process of implementing PPPs, drawing inspiration from the more efficient Sindh PPP law.

Implications and Next Steps

These developments signal a more stable and predictable environment for developers, investors, and lenders to invest in infrastructure projects in Punjab. Introducing cost escalation support and minimum revenue guarantees reduces financial risks, making these projects more attractive to private investors.

The amended PPP law is expected to simplify the regulatory framework, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and expedite project timelines. This will likely lead to increased participation from both local and international investors, fostering a more competitive and dynamic market.

Businesses interested in participating in these projects should closely monitor the upcoming investor conferences for detailed roadmaps and tendering timelines.

Looking Ahead

The future of PPP projects in Punjab looks promising, with the GoPB’s proactive measures addressing past challenges and setting the stage for more successful collaborations. In the coming months, we anticipate further refinements to the PPP framework and additional investor-friendly policies. We look forward to the next investor conference, at which C&W has promised to provide a roadmap for tendering new projects.

For more information on public-private partnership projects in Punjab or elsewhere in Pakistan, contact the Managing Partner of Pakistan, Bilal Shaukat.

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Sitara Energy Wins Landmark Appeal Against FESCO After 7-Year Legal Battle

Sitara Energy Wins Landmark Appeal Graphic

Introduction

In a significant win for Sitara Energy Limited, the NEPRA Appellate Tribunal has overturned the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) flawed tariff decision, ordering a fresh review within a strict four-month timeframe.

Background

Amid nationwide electricity shortages in 2005-2006, NEPRA introduced a policy enabling companies like Sitara Energy Limited to sell power directly to distribution companies (DISCOs) like FESCO at mutually agreed rates through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Sitara operated within this framework, supplying electricity until 2015 when the purchase prices became financially unsustainable.

The Dispute

Despite the expiration of the original PPA in 2011, NEPRA directed Sitara to continue supplying power to FESCO at agreed-upon rates while retaining the authority to determine the final tariff. NEPRA, without legal authority, compelled Sitara to provide an undertaking to accept NEPRA’s determined tariff by withholding payments by FECO for past invoices. After a six-year delay, NEPRA retrospectively reduced the unit price of electricity sold, directing Sitara to reimburse FESCO for around Rs. 837 million.

“NEPRA’s tariff decision was fraught with several procedural lapses and substantial factual errors,” noted Nadir Altaf (Partner – Pakistan), the lead counsel from RIAA Barker Gillette representing Sitara. “Notably, NEPRA erroneously presumed that Sitara conducted power sales to FESCO through a 132 kV synchronized grid, rather than the actual 11 kV isolated mode.”

The Outcome

The NEPRA Appellate Tribunal ruled in favour of Sitara, overturning NEPRA’s tariff decision and ordering a fresh evaluation within a strict four-month statutory timeframe. The tribunal also declared the notices issued to Sitara by FESCO invalid, providing substantial financial relief to Sitara. This decision provides substantial financial relief to Sitara and initiates a comprehensive review of the case under the principles of equitable regulatory practice.

Nadir Altaf (Partner-Pakistan) at RIAA Barker Gillette further commented,

“This judgment not only provides financial relief to Sitara but also sets a precedent for equitable regulatory practices in the energy sector. It underscores the necessity of fair adjudication based on accurate information to maintain industry stability and integrity.”

Implications

This case starkly reminds us of the potential consequences of regulatory missteps and highlights the importance of thorough adjudication in regulatory decisions. This ruling sets a significant precedent for companies operating in Pakistan’s power sector, potentially influencing future regulatory practices.

For more information or legal advice on navigating regulatory challenges in the power sector, contact Nadir Altaf (Partner – Pakistan).

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Expert witness in the Cayman Islands K-Electric dispute

RIAA Barker Gillette Expert witness testimony given in K-Electric dispute

In October 2022, certain indirect shareholders of K-Electric Ltd, the vertically-integrated electricity provider for Karachi, filed proceedings in the Sindh High Court challenging a transaction in the Cayman Islands resulting in the change in ownership of another major indirect shareholder, the Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF).

The Sindh High Court granted an injunction restraining IGCF from implementing the transaction. The proceedings in the Sindh High Court sought to prevent the appointment of IGCF’s nominees to the board of K-Electric.

In response, IGCF filed anti-suit injunction proceedings before the Financial Services Division of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, seeking the discontinuation of proceedings before the Sindh High Court. The Cayman proceedings involved questions of Pakistan law concerning the jurisdiction of Courts and the enforceability of exclusive jurisdiction clauses.

IGCF engaged our Managing Partner, Bilal Shaukat, as a Pakistan law expert witness. He provided a written opinion on the legal questions and presented himself for cross-examination.

In his judgment, the presiding Honorable Justice Segal made several observations about our assistance, stating,

I found Mr Shaukat to be a reliable and helpful witness who set out his opinions, both in writing and orally during his cross-examination, clearly with supporting analysis and arguments. He dealt directly and candidly with points of difficulty and adopted a balanced and impartial approach… I found his analysis to be clear and cogent and supported by the applicable law and authorities.”

Honorable Justice Segal

Relying on our expert witness testimony, the Cayman Court allowed IGCF’s application and granted the anti-suit injunction.

Bilal Shaukat observed:

“Our engagement by IGCF and this outcome is a testament to RIAA Barker Gillette’s capabilities and experience in multi-jurisdictional disputes concerning Pakistan’s energy sector. We congratulate IGCF on this important victory in the Cayman proceedings.”

Bilal Shaukat, Managing Partner – Pakistan, RIAA Barker Gillette

Pakistan’s Managing Partner, Bilal Shaukat, led the team working on this matter with assistance from Pakistan Partner Shahbakht Pirzada.

For further information, contact our Managing Partner, Bilal Shaukat or read the press coverage.

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Alternative Energy & Power

Pakistan Chapter of Chambers & Partners Global Practice Guide on Alternative Energy & Power. Blue Geometric design

We authored the Pakistan Chapter of the 2023 edition of the Chambers & Partners Global Practice Guide, which provides an overview of Pakistan’s power sector, including the legal framework governing the structure, ownership, and regulation of the industry.

The primary law regulating Pakistan’s power sector is the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 and amendments. This established the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) as the sector regulator. NEPRA issues licenses for generation, transmission and distribution activities and determines tariffs.

Both state-owned and private companies undertake generation. Private independent power producers expanded significantly over the past two decades under government power policies offering incentives. Transmission is dominated by the state-owned National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), but some private companies have special-purpose transmission licenses. Distribution is mainly through state-owned companies except for K-Electric, privatized in 2005.

Recent amendments to the NEPRA Act aim to introduce more competition by licensing market operators, power traders and suppliers. This will gradually transition the market to a competitive trading bilateral contract model.

Federal and provincial environmental protection agencies grant environmental approvals. Pakistan has laws on climate change but no policy yet for early retirement of carbon-based generation. The government aims to expand renewable power to above 50% of the total generation mix.

Generation facilities require licenses and tariff approvals from NEPRA. Transmission and distribution activities also need NEPRA’s licensing and tariff approvals. The NTDC plans generation capacity expansion, and the system operator controls supply and dispatch.

The power sector faces challenges, including heavy reliance on expensive imported fuels, the unwillingness of distribution companies to enable wheeling, ageing infrastructure and institutional inefficiencies leading to circular debt. Despite these challenges, government policies attract investment in conventional and renewable generation. Pakistan’s renewable energy potential and growing projected demand remain a key driver.

For an in-depth examination of the legal framework, industry structure and ownership, licensing and approvals, environmental regulation, market reforms, challenges and risks in Pakistan’s alternative energy and power sector, read the Pakistan chapter here.

For more information, contact our Partner, Nadir Atlaf, today.

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Pakistan Chapter of the Chambers Corporate M&A Guide 2023

We authored the Pakistan Chapter of the Chambers Corporate M&A Guide 2023, which provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing mergers and acquisitions in Pakistan.

Discussing recent trends, the guide notes an increase in M&A activity as businesses pursue growth strategies amid depressed valuations. The key industries that experienced significant M&A activity were IT and IT-enabled services, independent power producers, and the consumer goods sectors.

Pakistan’s corporate M&A landscape is governed by the Companies Act 2017, the Securities Act 2015 and related regulations and the Competition Act 2010. The primary regulators overseeing M&A transactions are the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), and, for cross-border M&A deals, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Sector-specific statutes impose additional requirements for M&A transactions in regulated industries such as insurance and banking.

The guide examines the legal regime applicable to foreign investments in Pakistan, including security clearance requirements, repatriation of profits and dividends, and sectoral caps on foreign ownership.

The main modes of acquisition of a company in Pakistan are share purchases and schemes of arrangement.  Factors influencing choice include complexity, timelines and tax implications.

Common practices around due diligence and deal structures are also discussed. The scope of due diligence depends on commercial factors, transaction structure and the size/industry of the target. Detailed legal due diligence is common for local deals, while foreign acquirers may opt for more limited red flag reviews.

The guide provides an in-depth overview of the takeover regulations applicable to acquisitions of listed companies in Pakistan, including public disclosure requirements, mandatory public offer thresholds, timelines, permissible conditions on the offer, implications for minority shareholders and available squeeze-out mechanisms.

In addition, the guide examines directors’ duties under Pakistani law in connection with M&A deals, including their role during the negotiation process and in providing recommendations to shareholders.

The guide discusses defensive measures that can be adopted by target companies in Pakistan to thwart hostile takeover attempts. Common defensive measures include seeking court injunctions or involving regulators if the acquirer violates laws.

The guide further covers the growing trend of shareholder activism in the country, where minority shareholders in listed companies increasingly exercise their rights to influence major corporate decisions.   For comprehensive insights on M&A regulations and trends in Pakistan, read the Pakistan chapter of the Chambers Corporate M&A Guide 2023.

For more information on M&A, contact Pakistan’s Managing Partner Bilal Shaukat or Partner Shafaq Rehman.

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Chambers Practice Guide on Pakistan TMT Laws

We authored the Pakistan Chapter of the 2023 edition of the Practice Guide on Pakistan TMT Laws (technology, media and telecommunications).

The Practice Guide on Pakistan TMT Laws provides a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape in Pakistan, covering the digital economy, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, broadcast media, telecommunications regulation, and electronic signatures and digital identity.

The digital economy is rapidly growing in Pakistan. The Practice Guide on Pakistan TMT Laws provides insights into the regulatory framework governing digital banks, e-commerce, and electronic money institutions (EMIs), including the State Bank of Pakistan’s Licensing and Regulatory Framework for Digital Banks and the Electronic Money Institutions Regulations 2019. It also discusses the SBP’s plans regarding a Central Bank Digital Currency and launching a QR Code-based payment system to enable merchants to receive instant payments.

The guide also covers cloud computing and the legal framework governing outsourcing to cloud service providers. It discusses the SBP’s Framework on Outsourcing to Cloud Service providers applicable to financial institutions and the extent of application of the Personal Data Protection Bill (if and when enacted by Parliament) and of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA) and the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2021 to cloud computing.

The Internet of Things and machine-to-machine communication are also discussed in the guide, with a focus on the application of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganisation) Act 1996 (PTA Act) and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016. 

Broadcast media and distribution services in Pakistan are subject to regulation by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The guide provides a detailed analysis of the regulatory framework governing broadcast media and distribution services, including licensing requirements, foreign ownership restrictions and requirements for broadcasting foreign satellite TV channels.

The Practice Guide on Pakistan TMT Laws provides an overview of the regulation of the operation of telecommunications systems and the provision of telecommunications services by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. The guide discusses the PTA Act and regulations relating to the allocation of radio spectrum, terminal equipment approval, VoIP, and communication secrecy

Finally, the guide provides insights into the legal framework governing electronic signatures and digital identity use in Pakistan, covering the Electronic Transactions Ordinance 2002 and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) regime.  For a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape in Pakistan, applicable technology, media and telecommunications, please read the full Pakistan Chapter of the 2023 edition of the Chambers Practice Guide.

For more information on Pakistan TMT Laws, contact our partners, Yousaf Khosa and Shafaq Rehman.

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.

Lex Mundi Logo

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.  


Chambers Litigation 2023

We authored the Pakistan chapter of Litigation 2023, published by Chambers and Partners, with contributions from leading firms in nearly 50 jurisdictions worldwide.

The guide provides an overview of the various stages of #litigation, including the institution of proceedings, pre-trial stages, discovery, injunctive relief, trials and hearings, settlement, damages and judgment, appeals and costs. Also, it covers alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and #arbitration.

Please find a link to the Guide here. For further information, speak to senior partner Yousaf Khosa.


Stay in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay in touch
Sending

News/Insight

  • RIAA secures victory in landmark input tax adjustment case

    RIAA Barker Gillette has successfully resolved a significant tax dispute for a Pakistani sub


    Read more
  • RIAA secures key win for textile industry in anti-dumping investigation

    In a landmark decision, the National Tariff Commission (NTC) terminated a longstanding anti-dumping investigation into polyester filament yarn (PFY) imports from China and Malaysia, marki


    Read more
  • RIAA Barker Gillette ranks high in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025

    We are delighted to share that RIAA Barker Gillette has been recognized as one of Pakistan's leading law firms across several practice areas in the recently released Read more

  • RIAA Advises on Landmark TAPI Pipeline Host Agreement in Afghanistan

    RIAA Barker Gillette has successfully advised TAPI Pipeline Company Limited (TPCL) on the signing of the Host Government Agreement (HGA) for the Herat province segment of the multibillion-dollar Read more

  • Top rankings in Chambers Asia Pacific 2025

    The Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide is widely respected for its thorough evaluation and identification of the leading law firms and lawyers in the Asia-Pacific legal market. Chambers' review of our firm in the 2025 Asia-Paci


    Read more

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."

Read more