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Our industries

Technology, media and communications

RIAA Barker Gillette Pakistan is recognised as the leading advisor in Pakistan in the innovative sectors of technology, media and communications.

Speak to technology, media and communications partner Shafaq Rehman today.

Practice areas

Communications

Since the promulgation of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996, we have worked with the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited and other major players in the telecommunication sector, thereby obtaining recognition as Pakistan’s premier law firm in the telecommunication sector.

Our expertise includes major telecoms and internet projects, including a number of new entrants into the reorganised telecoms sectors, major telephone line projects, privatisations and work for international players such as Nortel Networks regarding corporate and regulatory matters. We frequently represent communications providers in various types of dispute.

Legislation

The firm was engaged by the Government of Pakistan to draft the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Ordinance 1995, the subsequent re-promulgation of such Ordinance as the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996, as well as all subsequent modifications and proposed modifications to the telecommunication regulatory framework. We have drafted several statutory enactments and regulatory frameworks, including the Telecommunication Regulatory Framework.

Media

Our media practice is regularly involved in the incorporation, licensing and operational issues relating to corporate entities involved in the television, satellite broadcasting and print media, as well as digital radio. Our team is regularly involved with regulatory issues on behalf of a diverse clientele that includes cable networks, satellite service providers and private TV channels. Our advice blends a commercial perspective regarding foreign direct investment and licensing matters involving applications, presentations and representations to relevant regulatory authorities.

Technology

Our practice advises on a range of matters affecting innovative sectors, including media and new technology law, outsourcing agreements, and assists major clients in the sector with their IP portfolios.

At a glance
  • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News, advised client in relation to licensing and registration of branch office in Pakistan.
  • Government of Pakistan, represented client in the USD 2.59b privatization of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited. The Firm was responsible for advising on Pakistan law issues in the transaction, advising on the regulatory framework, and negotiating all transaction documents with Etisalat, the acquirer.
  • Loral Skynet Corporation, advised client in relation to assignment of regulatory license and registration of satellites. Advised on agreement relating to Skynet space segment capacity service.
  • Nortel Networks (Asia) Limited,advised client in relation to agreement with Pak Telecom Mobile Limited for the supply of expansion of PTML GSM network and allied systems.
  • Oberthur Card Systems, represented client with regard to the options of undertaking business activities in the field of providing smart cards and the sale and distribution of chips in Pakistan.
  • Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, represented client in turn-key projects throughout Pakistan wherein the Firm negotiated various transaction and concession documents with Alcatel CIT, Siemens, Ericsson and China Telecom.
  • STAR Group Limited, advised client in relation to Agreement between ESPN Inc. and FMS International Limited for distribution of the ESPN international program service in Pakistan.
  • Telecard Limited, represented client in its constitutional petition against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Frequency Allocation Board.
  • Trakker (Pvt.) Limited, represented client, which is Pakistan’s first multi-national company in Vehicle and Fleet Management Services operating across Pakistan and the Middle East.
Expertise
  • Data communications
  • e-Banking
  • Encryption
  • Import
  • Installation
  • Operation and maintenance of telecommunications
  • Internet-based services
  • Regulatory framework
  • Satellite communications and services
  • Hardware and software newco entities
  • Voice over internet protocol (“VOIP”)
News and insights

News/Insight

  • DHA City: advising on first developer NEPRA distribution licence

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has granted DHA Energy Supply Company (DESCO) two licences for DHA City Karachi. The first is a NEPRA distribution licence, and the second makes DESCO the development's supplier of last resort. RIAA Barker Gillette advised DESCO throughout the application. No licensee outside the l...


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  • Pakistan safeguard investigation: NTC initiates first CPFTA case

    The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has initiated Pakistan's first safeguard investigation, acting on an application that RIAA Barker Gillette prepared for the domestic industry. The case concerns a surge in imports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord from China. It proceeds under Article 27 of the&nbs...


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  • Islamic financing behind Pakistan’s landmark PIA privatisation

    In June 2026, management control of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) passed to PIA Equity Limited, completing Pakistan's first major privatisation in nearly two decades. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation and including Lake City Holdings had won the December 2025 auction, with a PKR 135 billion bid se...


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  • A Vessel Renamed, Reflagged and Sold — and Still Arrested in Karachi

    A shipowner that sees an arrest coming has a familiar playbook. Sell the vessel to a fresh company, reflag it and give it a new name, all before the claimant can act. The Sindh High Court has now confirmed that those manoeuvres will not, by themselves, defeat an arrest, at least where the claimant can show the sale for the façade it is. Acting for the cargo owner, Orkun Group Zanzi...


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  • Shahmeer Naveed Arshad Joins RIAA Barker Gillette as Partner

    RIAA Barker Gillette is pleased to announce the appointment of Shahmeer Naveed Arshad as a Partner, based in the firm's Lahore office. The induction of Shahmeer Naveed Arshad strengthens the firm's national practice and marks another milestone in the growth of the Lahore office.

    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."

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