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.
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.
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