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Our practices

Property and real estate

Our property team have the knowledge and experience to deal with all commercial property transactions. It is surprising how often a routine transaction throws up a tricky and unforeseen issue. It is important that the right property lawyer is on hand to deal with the labyrinth of regulations, laws and taxes, which seem to become ever more complex.

Our property and real estate team advise lenders (private and institutional) and borrowers on secured lending.

We recognise that a well-documented and drafted property and real estate transaction will deliver on our client’s expectations. Equally, where there is a need for litigation expertise, our property litigation team are well able to find solutions.

Our property and real estate experts handle the full range of commercial and residential services. Specialists based in offices across our network have intimate knowledge of the real estate sectors in those jurisdictions and can assist with all types of investments, divestitures and ongoing matters.

Our commercial practice advises on investment properties, offices, developments, retail properties, landlord & tenant issues, leaseholds, and enfranchisement. Our expertise in Pakistan includes a range of construction projects in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors.

RIAA Barker Gillette Pakistan’s construction practice has advised on many energy and infrastructure projects, including large dams, airports, commercial buildings, highways, pipeline projects, refineries, thermal power projects, cement plants, and telecommunication projects. We are well-equipped to advise on the full spectrum of issues affecting the construction industry, from bidding documents and all forms of construction contracts to contract management and dispute resolution (ADR), including arbitrations (domestic and international).

Practice areas
  • Acquisitions
  • Disposals
  • Licences
  • Licensed premises
  • Portfolio management
  • Secured lending
  • Security
At a glance
  • Damac Holding LLC: represented client, the largest private construction company of UAE, in the acquisition, development and sale of residential and commercial real estate in Pakistan.
  • Emirates Global Islamic Bank and Eden Housing (Private) Limited: represented client in one of the largest real estate development projects in Lahore.
  • Inturespa Pakistan (Private) Limited: represented client, a subsidiary of an Irish chain, in the setting up of a four-star hotel in Lahore.
  • Sinohydro Corporation of China: represented client in the EPC construction of the Gomal Zam Dam Multipurpose Project.
  • Sinohydro Corporation: represented client in a multi-billion-dollar project they have been awarded, the Reseires Dam Project in Sudan.
  • Sui Southern Gas Company Limited: represented client in the development of its transmission and distribution network.
  • TPL Properties Private Limited: represented client in the financing and regulatory matters concerning the construction of Center Point (Trakker Tower) which is a prestigious office tower development located in Karachi.

Contact one of our lead property and real estate partners, Mazhar Bangash or Shafaq Rehman, today.

News/Insight

  • Venture Capital Bill, 2026: RIAA submits comments to SECP

    The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has published the draft Venture Capital Bill, 2026 for public consultation, proposing a dedicated statutory framework for venture capital funds and the companies that manage them.

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  • 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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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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