news story Archives - RIAA Barker Gillette

RIAA advises Valor Hospitality on luxury hotel management deal

Posted on June 2, 2025 - 1:48 pm by Penny Dewar

Hotel Management deal forged by Male Asian lawyer Shahbakht Pirzada.png

RIAA Barker Gillette successfully advised Valor Hospitality Middle East DMCC on negotiating and executing a comprehensive hotel management agreement for an internationally branded 5-star hotel in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s luxury hospitality sector.

Valor Hospitality Partners is a globally renowned hotel management company operating more than 90 hotels across the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The company established its Middle East division in Dubai to provide hotel owners and brands with comprehensive third-party management services, including food and beverage operations, capital fundraising, sales and marketing, and hotel development services.

This transaction represents a significant development in Pakistan’s hospitality industry, which has seen limited entry of foreign luxury hotel brands in recent years. Hotel management agreements are complex, long-term contracts that define the relationship between hotel owners and management companies. These agreements involve sophisticated structuring around operational control, revenue management, performance metrics, and brand standards, requiring specialized legal expertise to navigate the commercial and regulatory landscape.

Our firm’s deep expertise in commercial contracts and the services industry proved instrumental in structuring this complex arrangement. The transaction required careful consideration of key provisions, including operational responsibilities, performance standards, fee structures and termination rights, while ensuring compliance with Pakistan’s regulatory framework governing foreign investment in the hospitality sector.

Shahbakht Pirzada, Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette, commented:

“The Pakistan market has not seen the entry of a foreign luxury hotel brand for quite some time. I hope this transaction serves as a catalyst to revive the hospitality management industry and drives both the demand for foreign tourism and the supply of high-quality services for such tourists.”

This landmark agreement positions Valor Hospitality to leverage its global expertise while contributing to Pakistan’s tourism infrastructure development.

The successful completion of this transaction demonstrates RIAA Barker Gillette’s capability to deliver strategic legal solutions for complex international hospitality investments, positioning the firm at the forefront of Pakistan’s evolving hospitality sector.

Should you require assistance with complex commercial contracts or transactions in the hospitality sector, please contact Shahbakht Pirzada (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.

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.

RIAA’s Pakistan law advice helps protect $90m award in UK court win

Posted on May 20, 2025 - 12:01 pm by Penny Dewar

The English Court of Appeal has granted an ad-interim anti-suit injunction restraining National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC) from pursuing proceedings before the Lahore High Court against our client Star Hydro Power Limited (SHPL), protecting a USD 90 million arbitration award.

SHPL had secured the substantial LCIA arbitration award in May 2024, with RIAA Barker Gillette acting as Pakistan law counsel in such proceedings. Despite being the losing party with no executory relief to enforce, NTDC filed proceedings before the Lahore High Court seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, attempting to frustrate SHPL’s enforcement efforts and relitigate issues already conclusively resolved through arbitration.

The dispute stems from a Power Purchase Agreement dated 8 March 2012, which contains a clear arbitration clause designating London as the seat of arbitration under LCIA rules. The arbitral tribunal issued its final award on 7 May 2024, which was later amended by a memorandum of correction on 13 June 2024.

RIAA Barker Gillette provided critical Pakistan law advice for the English anti-suit proceedings, covering the recognition of anti-suit injunctions in Pakistan, the limitations on award-debtors seeking preventative and declaratory relief against a foreign arbitral award under the Recognition and Enforcement (Arbitration Agreements and Foreign Arbitral Awards) Act, 2011 and the implications of parallel proceedings. This was essential in demonstrating that NTDC’s actions constituted a breach of the arbitration agreement.

Working closely with Herbert Smith Freehills, SHPL’s solicitors in the English proceedings, we developed compelling arguments regarding the proper interpretation of the arbitration clause and the recognition under Pakistan law of the English courts’ supervisory jurisdiction in light of the arbitration agreement.

The English Court of Appeal upheld SHPL’s appeal after the High Court declined its initial anti-suit request. The Court found that NTDC’s Lahore proceedings breached the arbitration agreement and restrained NTDC from commencing any similar proceedings outside England or bringing any claims related to the Power Purchase Agreement outside the contractually agreed dispute resolution mechanism.

Partner Nadir Altaf at RIAA Barker Gillette said:

“This injunction confirms that Pakistani parties cannot bypass foreign arbitration awards through backdoor litigation in domestic courts.

An anti-suit injunction is a powerful legal mechanism that prohibits parties from initiating or continuing proceedings in foreign jurisdictions that undermine arbitration agreements. It therefore protects international arbitration from procedural abuse in domestic courts, especially in cross-border disputes.”

Our team acting on this matter was led by Nadir Altaf (Partner) and included Fahim Khan (Senior Associate) and Noor Tariq (Associate).

For advice on complex disputes in the power sector, please contact Nadir Altaf.

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

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.

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.

RIAA Barker Gillette secures major workplace harassment decision

Posted on April 29, 2025 - 4:14 pm by Penny Dewar

Major workplace harassment decision title image

In an important case that strengthens the implementation of Pakistan’s workplace harassment laws, RIAA Barker Gillette has successfully defended a female civil servant employed by the Government of Sindh employee in proceedings before the Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court. The case which was undertaken pro bono represents a significant victory that was widely reported in the media as the first instance of a civil servant being dismissed from service under Pakistan’s harassment law.

The matter involved a female civil servant who faced persistent sexual harassment from a male superior. After departmental remedies proved inadequate, she approached the Provincial Ombudsman under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 (the “Act”).

The Provincial Ombudsman found the accused guilty of sexual harassment and ordered his removal from service. RIAA Barker Gillette then represented the complainant pro bono before the Governor of Sindh, where the accused had filed a representation challenging the Ombudsman’s order. The Governor upheld the Ombudsman’s decision, after which the accused filed a Constitutional Petition in the Sindh High Court seeking to overturn all previous orders against him.

In his petition, the accused contended that the complainant had already filed a complaint with the head of her department, which was still pending. Therefore, the Ombudsman lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. He further argued that under Section 4(4) of the Act, the Ombudsman only had the power to recommend penalties rather than directly order removal from service.

RIAA Barker Gillette conducted a robust defense challenging these contentions, demonstrating that the departmental complaint mechanism had been ineffective, with no action taken within the statutory timeframe of 30 days. We successfully argued that the doctrine of election (requiring a complainant to pursue only one forum) was inapplicable in sexual harassment cases where departmental remedies prove sluggish and ineffective.

The Constitutional Bench, in its detailed judgment, recognized the particular vulnerability of women facing harassment in male-dominated environments and the challenges in pursuing complaints through internal departmental mechanisms. The Court categorically held that the Ombudsman had full power under Section 10(2) of the Act to impose major penalties, including removal from service. Significantly, the Court also rejected the petition’s attempt to re-examine factual findings regarding the absence of consent, affirming that constitutional jurisdiction cannot be invoked as a substitute for a second appeal.

The case represents the very first instance where a civil servant was reported to have faced direct dismissal under the Act following substantiated findings of sexual harassment against him, serving as a crucial affirmation of the legal protections provided under the law especially in the public sector, where power dynamics and hierarchy can sometimes hinder the pursuit of justice.

The judgment includes significant directives requiring all government departments to establish effective Inquiry Committees under the Act, ensuring complaints are processed within the statutory timeframe of 30 days, and to bring to the attention of all workers, especially female employees, the availability and applicability of the Act.

Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette Shahbakht Pirzada said:

“This ruling establishes critical precedent in Pakistan’s evolving workplace harassment jurisprudence. The Court has not only affirmed the Ombudsman’s authority to impose severe penalties in proven harassment cases but has also recognized the structural challenges women face when seeking redress through internal departmental channels.”

For advice on complex employment disputes in Pakistan, contact Shahbakht Pirzada today.

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

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.

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.

RIAA advises on acquisition of Uch Power Plants in Pakistan

Posted on April 29, 2025 - 12:11 pm by Penny Dewar

RIAA Barker Gillette has successfully advised Sapphire Fibres Limited and Mindbridge (Private) Limited in their acquisition of Uch Power (Private) Limited and Uch-II Power (Private) Limited, in a major power sector M&A transaction in Pakistan. The sellers, International Power Uch Holdings B.V., UPLHC-I Limited, and UPLHC-II Limited, are subsidiaries of Engie S.A, a French multinational energy company.

As reported in the press, the transaction involves two significant power assets in Pakistan’s energy infrastructure: Uch Power, a 586 MW gas-based power plant, and Uch-II Power, a 404 MW gas-based power plant, both located in Dera Murad Jamali, Balochistan.

We provided comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction, including assisting with the initial bid submission, conducting legal due diligence on the projects and key project documents (including implementation agreements, power purchase agreements, gas supply agreements, tariff determinations, O&M agreements, and insurance arrangements), and advising on regulatory and contractual risks.

The RIAA Barker Gillette team advised on the review and negotiation of the share purchase agreement and ancillary documents, preparing mark-ups in coordination with the clients’ technical and commercial teams. We assisted in negotiations with the sellers’ legal counsel and supported the acquirers through the execution and closing phases of the transaction, including structuring complex cross-border payment mechanisms for this power sector acquisition.

Post-signing of the share purchase agreement, we assisted the acquirers satisfy conditions precedent, including obtaining merger clearance from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), securing approvals from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), the Government of Pakistan (PPIB), and liaising with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and State Bank of Pakistan to navigate complex cross-border tax and foreign exchange requirements for this M&A transaction.

Senior Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette, Hasnain Naqvee, said:

“This energy sector M&A transaction demonstrates the continued investor confidence in Pakistan’s power sector and reflects RIAABG’s capacity to advise on complex, high-value cross-border deals,”

The transaction was led by Senior Partner Hasnain Naqvee, who steered the transaction across all stages—from bid submission and legal due diligence to negotiation, regulatory approvals, and financing.

For advice on complex cross-border M&A transactions in the energy sector, contact Hasnain Naqvee.

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

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.

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.

RIAA secures victory in landmark input tax adjustment case

Posted on April 11, 2025 - 2:59 pm by Penny Dewar

Input Tax Adjustments Article Image showing authory Mayhar Kazi

RIAA Barker Gillette has successfully resolved a significant tax dispute for a Pakistani subsidiary of a major US oil and gas multinational in proceedings before the Sindh High Court (SHC). The case highlights the complexities of Pakistan’s fragmented sales tax system.

In Pakistan’s tax framework, which the World Bank identifies as “one of the only federated states where the GST base remains fragmented,” sales tax on goods falls under federal jurisdiction, while sales tax on services is administered by provincial authorities. The system is designed to function as a value-added tax regime where businesses can claim input tax adjustments regardless of whether the tax was paid to federal or provincial authorities.

Our client obtains various services from its non-resident affiliates and pays Sindh sales tax on these services through the “reverse charge mechanism.” This tax should be claimable as an input adjustment against output tax payable under the federal Sales Tax Act, 1990.

However, following the Federal Board of Revenue’s issuance of SRO 350(I)/2024 in March 2024 and subsequent modifications to its online portal, this adjustment became impossible to claim. Our petition challenged this impediment with several compelling legal arguments: the modification contradicted the statutory definition of “input tax” which explicitly includes “Provincial Sales Tax levied on services”; it undermined the fundamental value-added tax structure; and it created unjustifiable discrimination between services from resident versus non-resident providers. Crucially, the modification lacked any corresponding change in legislation.

The Sindh High Court recognized the urgency of the matter and directed that our client’s right to claim input tax adjustments would be preserved, subject to the final outcome. This interim protection, secured our petiton, the first of its kind, created a precedent that led numerous other companies to file similar petitions.

In its order dated 6 February 2025, the Court noted that the FBR’s system “appears to be unjustifiably denying such claims” despite clear legal provisions allowing for such adjustments. In the final order dated 6 March 2025, the Court noted that the FBR had instructed its technical team to remove the system restriction blocking these adjustments. The Commissioner of Inland Revenue confirmed in court that applications regarding the limitation period would be “entertained and complied with in terms of earlier orders.” With the substantive issues resolved, the Court disposed of our petition along with all connected petitions.

“This case has not only resolved a critical technical flaw in Pakistan’s sales tax system but also established an important precedent for businesses operating in Pakistan,” said Mayhar Kazi, Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette. “By filing the first petition on this issue, we not only created breathing room for our client but also achieved a systemic fix that benefits numerous companies across the country.”

Our team representing the client on this matter was led by Mayhar Mustafa Kazi (Partner) and included Qubra Ali (Associate).

For more information on complex tax disputes in Pakistan, contact Mayhar Kazi today.

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

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.

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.

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

Posted on January 28, 2025 - 6:42 pm by Penny Dewar

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, marking the first-ever withdrawal of duties during the investigation stage. RIAA Barker Gillette played a key role in this precedent-setting case, representing PFY importers and users in this case to safeguard the textile industry’s access to this critical raw material.

Pakistan’s textile sector, a cornerstone of the economy and a key driver of exports relies heavily on high-quality PFY. However, domestic PFY production meets only 30% of demand and often lacks the required quality and variants. Unimpeded access to imports is crucial for the industry’s global competitiveness.

Initiated in 2016, the investigation saw the NTC twice impose provisional anti-dumping duties, decisions that were subsequently set aside by the Anti-Dumping Appellate Tribunal due to errors in injury determination. The Tribunal stressed the need to consider factors beyond alleged dumping that impacted the domestic industry.

Led by Partner Mazhar Bangash, our trade law team presented legal and economic arguments before the NTC and the Tribunal. A key contention was the wrongful inclusion of fully-drawn yarn (FDY), which domestic producers did not manufacture, skewing the injury analysis. The firm also highlighted the NTC’s failure to consider other factors affecting domestic producers, such as high costs and inefficiencies and the textile sector’s lack of viable alternatives to quality PFY imports.

In its final determination, the NTC reversed its earlier stance, concluding that imposing anti-dumping duties was unwarranted and against the public interest. This decision ensures continued duty-free access to essential PFY for Pakistan’s textile manufacturers.

Regarding the successful outcome, Mazhar Bangash stated,

“This determination sets an important precedent as it marks the first instance where the Commission reversed its own decision. This outcome is particularly significant for PFY importers and users, ensuring continued access to essential high-quality materials without the burden of additional anti-dumping duties.”

Mazhar Bangash led our team on this matter, including Senior Associate Momin Taufiq and Trainee Associate Saman Shahrukh.

Please contact Mazhar Bangash for more information on trade disputes.

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

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.

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.

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

Posted on January 28, 2025 - 5:59 pm by riaabgmanager

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 The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025 Guide.

Our firm earned Tier 1 rankings in the following practice areas:

Banking and Finance

The team has an “excellent reputation” for major local and cross-border financings, regularly advising sponsors, developers and lenders on projects in energy, power, mining, transport, logistics and infrastructure. The “skilled group” is experienced in all aspects of financing, security arrangements, debt-to-equity conversions, syndicated loans and Islamic finance.

Recognized lawyers: Bilal Shaukat and Shafaq Rehman

Corporate and M&A

The team is “well placed to advise on cross-border commercial arrangements”, with “particular expertise assisting clients making greenfield or brownfield investments”. Clients praise the “highly professional and diversely experienced legal team” providing “very professional advisory.”

Recognized lawyers: Ahsan Zahir Rizvi, Bilal Shaukat, Shafaq Rehman and Mazhar Bangash

Dispute Resolution

Recognized for a “wide range of cases before various courts, quasi-tribunal and regulatory tribunals”, the firm’s “strong team” has a “great know-how in legal commercial and business matters.” Clients appreciate the “mix of seasoned professionals and energetic highly motivated and qualified individuals.”

Recognized lawyers: Yousaf Khosa, Mayhar Mustafa Kazi and Shahbakht Pirzada

Projects and Energy

With a “wealth of experience on numerous major energy and infrastructure projects”, the team acts as project counsel on several thermal and renewable projects. Clients state, “RIAA Barker Gillette is one of the powerhouses in project & energy” with “seasoned and qualified lawyers.”

Recognized lawyers: Hasnain Naqvee, Bilal Shaukat and Nadir Altaf

The Legal 500 also ranked the firm highly in:

Capital Markets

Recognized for “complex transactions” in local and foreign debt and equity capital markets, handling IPOs, rights issues, structured finance, securitisations and privatisations.

Recognized lawyers: Bilal Shaukat

Labour and Employment

Frequently advises clients on labour, employment and industrial relations issues. Recommended for representation at labour courts, High Courts and the Supreme Court.

Recognized lawyers: Shafaq Rehman and Mayhar Mustafa Kazi

Tax

Advises on cross-border arrangements and navigating Pakistan’s tax landscape. Handles tax disputes before High Courts, the Supreme Court, and tribunals.

Recognized lawyers: Mayhar Mustafa Kazi, Yousaf Khosa and Shafaq Rehman

TMT

Skilled at advising on telecoms, media, and technology matters, including cross-border arrangements, outsourcing, and IP portfolio management.

Recognized lawyers: Yousaf Khosa

Insurance

The versatile team acts for insurance companies on disputes, transactions and regulatory compliance. Well-equipped for cross-jurisdictional matters.

Recognized lawyers: Shafaq Rehman

One client praises, “RIAA Barker Gillette has always had the most apt ability to handle, manage and steer complex and difficult matters in the right legal direction.”

“These rankings by The Legal 500 reflect the market-leading expertise, strategic approach and uncompromising client service that sets RIAA Barker Gillette apart,” commented Managing Partner Bilal Shaukat. “We remain committed to providing exceptional legal counsel to help our clients navigate complex challenges and achieve successful outcomes.”

Please click here to view RIAA Barker Gillette’s full rankings and editorial commentary by The Legal 500.

Please contact us at pk@riaabg.com for more information about how our top-ranked lawyers can assist you.

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

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.

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.

RIAA Advises on Landmark TAPI Pipeline Host Agreement in Afghanistan

Posted on January 28, 2025 - 12:59 pm by Penny Dewar

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 Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. This landmark agreement marks the first major infrastructure project to advance in Afghanistan since August 2021.

The TAPI pipeline aims to deliver natural gas from Turkmenistan to energy-hungry markets in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. It is a crucial initiative for fostering economic collaboration and addressing regional energy shortages. The project’s realization hinges on establishing robust legal frameworks in each participating country that align with their unique cultural, legal, and regulatory landscapes.

The project’s realisation hinges on the legal frameworks established in each participating country. For Afghanistan, the HGA required thorough examination to ensure it aligned with the Government of Afghanistan’s cultural and legal norms while adhering to international best practices.

RIAA Barker Gillette played a pivotal role in navigating the complex legal challenges posed by Afghanistan’s evolving political and regulatory environment. Our team meticulously reviewed the HGA’s terms to ensure compliance with Afghan law, including Sharia principles and local tax regulations. We developed innovative clauses to reconcile Sharia-compliant financing with international best practices while ensuring equitable risk allocation and preserving commitments under prior agreements.

Mazhar Bangash, the lead Partner on the matter, commented:

“The successful conclusion of the HGA demonstrates not only the strategic significance of the TAPI project but also the transformative potential of regional partnerships in advancing economic integration and energy security. This agreement sets a strong precedent for navigating legal and political complexities in high-stakes international projects.”

Senior Associate Barrister Momin Taufiq, Trainee Associate Shayan Marri and Junior Associate Saman Shahrukh assisted Pakistan Partner Mazhar Bangash.

Contact Mazhar Bangash for more information on our Afghan law practice.

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

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.

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.

Top rankings in Chambers Asia Pacific 2025

Posted on January 28, 2025 - 12:37 pm by Penny Dewar

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-Pacific Guide may be accessed here.

In the 2025 edition, RIAA Barker Gillette has been ranked across several key practice areas: Corporate / Commercial, Projects, Infrastructure & Energy, Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution: General Commercial (civil and commercial litigation and arbitration) and Employment (including labour, outsourcing and industrial relations). These rankings demonstrate the firm’s breadth of expertise and ability to handle complex legal matters across a range of sectors.

Several of the firm’s partners have also been recognized as notable practitioners in their respective fields. Global Senior and Managing Partner Ahsan Zahir Rizvi, along with Pakistan Managing Partner Bilal Shaukat, Senior Partner Hasnain Naqvee and Partners Mazhar Bangash, Mayhar Kazi, Yousaf Khosa and Nadir Altaf have been commended for their exceptional legal acumen and dedication to client service.

The Chambers rankings are based on extensive research and feedback from clients and peers in the market.. One example of anonymous feedback provided by a client is “RIAA Barker Gillette has always had the most apt ability to handle, manage and steer complex and difficult matters in the right legal direction.”

We are thrilled to consistently earn recognition from leading global legal directories for our ability to provide top-tier, commercially effective legal solutions. We are committed to upholding our reputation for delivering high-quality service to clients across a wide range of practice areas and industry sectors.

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

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.

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.

Senior Partner Hasnain Naqvee Shares Insights at Parliamentary IPP Panel

Posted on January 28, 2025 - 12:11 pm by Penny Dewar

Hasnain Naqvee, Senior Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette, was invited by the Parliamentary Forum on Energy and Economy to speak at a panel discussion titled “Renegotiating IPP Agreements: A step forward in resolving the energy crisis?” The session, held on January 15, 2025 at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in Islamabad, comes amidst ongoing government efforts to revisit contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) to manage rising electricity costs.

Distinguished speakers at the forum included Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Power; Manzoor Ahmed Alizai, Energy System Expert at PRIED; Shahid Kardar, Former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Member of the National Assembly. Senior parliamentarians, energy experts, industry representatives, and government officials attended the event.

Participants discuss challenges and issues related to power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Pakistan, which have come under government scrutiny as Pakistan grapples with power sector viability and affordability concerns. Many IPPs are financed by foreign lenders, and PPAs include incentives like guaranteed returns and take or pay commitments. The government is seeking to revise IPP contracts to manage costs. The proposed changes reportedly include reduced guaranteed returns, capped dollar indexation rates, and a shift away from take or pay commitments.

Hasnain Naqvee shared his insights on the legal and commercial implications of renegotiating IPP contracts, drawing upon his extensive experience advising clients in the energy sector.

Attendees highly praised Hasnain’s participation.

“Your crisp, bold, and eloquent articulation of the implications of the ongoing negotiations with IPPs was truly commendable.” commented one participant. “It was both inspiring and encouraging to witness such a balanced and fearless expression of the views, which resonated strongly with the audience and added immense value to the discussion.”

As Pakistan navigates complex power sector reforms, RIAA Barker Gillette remains committed to engaging with stakeholders and contributing legal expertise to support sustainable solutions.

For more information on our power sector practice, please contact Senior Partner Hasnain Naqvee.

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

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.

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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Category Archives: news story

RIAA advises Valor Hospitality on luxury hotel management deal

RIAA’s Pakistan law advice helps protect $90m award in UK court win

RIAA Barker Gillette secures major workplace harassment decision

RIAA advises on acquisition of Uch Power Plants in Pakistan

RIAA secures victory in landmark input tax adjustment case

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

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

Banking and Finance

Corporate and M&A

Dispute Resolution

Projects and Energy

Capital Markets

Labour and Employment

Tax

TMT

Insurance

RIAA Advises on Landmark TAPI Pipeline Host Agreement in Afghanistan

Top rankings in Chambers Asia Pacific 2025

Senior Partner Hasnain Naqvee Shares Insights at Parliamentary IPP Panel

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