A leading firm with a long-established banking practice, Liaquat Merchant Associates advises clients on the full breadth of banking and finance legal services with expertise in Islamic and Sharia compliant modes of financing. The team is well-versed in structuring corporate and consumer financing, leveraged and acquisition financing, and electronic banking. The department is chaired by experienced banking practitioner Faresa Jafarey Ahsan. She is supported by Hira Ahmad, who advises leading banks on finance agreements and regulatory matters, and senior associates Surrina Nasir and Asad Karim.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team provide exceptional client service, have positive word-of-mouth, embrace technology, have great marketing, and have a team with expertise that is consistent with the firm's mission.'
- 'Excellent logical, analytical, research and writing skills, prepare effective, clear and well-reasoned legal documents and arguments that require research, plus a strong analytical and logical approach.'
- 'The blend of knowledge of laws, statutes, regulations, customs, and experience in a variety of situations and legal expertise make their practices unique.'
- 'Continued learning of existing resources and the addition of new talent diversify and allow them to have a fresh look in their repertoire of educated human resources.'
- 'They allow dedicated resources on a case-to-case basis, which appear as subject specialists. They are good and patient listeners and allow us ample time to deliberate our matter. It establishes a good understanding of the case at both ends before we go into written communication with them.'
- 'We are allowed meetings with them as and when required with the development and emerging changed situations, if any.'
- 'Faresa Jafarey Ahsan needs to be specially mentioned since it appears to be a trickle down effect as the whole team, including but not limited to Hira Ahmad and further associates, demonstrate professional attributes of good conduct, technical knowledge, and practical experience. It all allows us to learn from their wisdom, procure legal advice, and seek opinions in the interest of our bank.'
Key clients
- Pak Brunei Investment Company Limited
- PAIR Investment Company Limited
- JS Bank Limited
- Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited
- Bank AL Habib Limited
- Habib Bank Limited
- Faysal Bank Limited
- OLP Financial Services Pakistan Limited
- Pak Oman Investment Company Limited
- Soneri Bank Limited
- Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited
- EXIM Bank of Pakistan
- Bank Alfalah Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of banks comprising MCB Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Limited, United Bank Limited, and Allied Bank Limited in respect of finances extended to Trading Corporation of Pakistan for the aggregate amount of PKR175 Billion for the period commencing from 01.01.2023 up to 31.12.2023.
- Assisted Pak Brunei Investment Company Limited with drafting facility and security documents in relation to financing disbursed to various customers, and the aggregate portfolio of such financing adds up to a total in access of PKR5bn.
- Advised a consortium of banks comprising of United Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, and Allied Bank Limited Bank Alfalah on short term capital finance extended by the banks individually to the Hub Power Company Limited for an aggregate amount of PKR10bn.
Lawyers
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Faresa Jafarey Ahsan