Headquartered in Karachi, Haidermota & Co Advocates works across several sectors and is well-placed to provide regulatory guidance on Islamic banking law. The team regularly represents leading global brands before Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission, and also frequently assists with the installation of digital assets and digital asset trading platforms, as well as advising clients on structuring divestments. The team is co-led by Shabbir Harianawala, an expert routinely sought out for his knowledge on private equity, complex shareholder agreements, and compliancy matters, and Zahra Abid, who represents leading foreign and local banks and financial institutions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Haidermota & Co strive hard in Pakistan's legal sector with their in-depth understanding of legal intricacies. I've always found their advice and opinions extremely useful in finding unique, tailor-made solutions to complex problems.'
  • 'Partners have exceptional command over legal intricacies and their meticulous eye for complex problems has always helped us advise clients and structure transactions in a positive and fruitful way.'
  • 'The corporate capital markets acquisition practice has consistently demonstrated a unique blend of expertise and dedication that sets it apart in the industry. One of the standout strengths of the team lies in their comprehensive understanding of the complex regulatory landscape and intricate nuances of fund management acquisitions.'
  • 'Their in-depth knowledge ensures that potential clients can trust in their ability to navigate the intricacies of these transactions with precision and efficiency. The team's key capabilities shine through in their strategic approach to acquisitions, where they seamlessly integrate legal acumen with a deep understanding of our specific industry.'
  • 'Their agility and ability to adapt to evolving market conditions also gives them an edge in today's dynamic business landscape. Their strengths lie not only in their legal prowess but also in their ability to customise solutions that drive value for clients.'
  • 'One individual who deserves special mention is Zahra Abid, a dedicated partner at the firm. Zahra's unwavering commitment to our concerns in even the most complex transactions has been remarkable. Her expertise in fund management acquisitions, coupled with her strategic insight, has played a pivotal role in safeguarding our interests and driving successful outcomes.'
  • 'Zahra Abid's ability to navigate the intricate legal landscape while keeping a keen eye on our business objectives has been instrumental. Her proactive approach to identifying potential challenges and providing well-rounded solutions has helped us make informed decisions at every stage of the acquisition process.'
  • 'Zahra Abid's responsiveness, attention to detail, and depth of knowledge inspires confidence and makes her an indispensable asset to our team. What truly sets Zahra apart is her dedication to client relationships. She goes above and beyond to understand our company's unique needs, tailoring her advice and strategies accordingly.'

Key clients

  • EY Ford Rhodes
  • Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
  • JS Investments Limited
  • Pakistan Petroleum Limited
  • Government Holdings (Private) Limited
  • Oil and Gas Development Company Limited
  • Fatima Gobi Ventures (Private) Limited
  • Sponsors of Swat Ceramics Company (Private) Limited
  • Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited
  • Asiapak Investments
  • U Microfinance Bank Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised a client as the legal counsel as part of a consortium with Ernst & Young on the drafting a first of its kind asset fractionalisation framework for the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.    
  • Advised SNB and Freshfields on the structuring divestment, ensuring that it adheres to local regulatory and securities law requirements.    
  • Represented a consortium of Government Holdings as part of the comprehensive resolution of a USD11bn dispute regarding the development of Reko Diq, one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold projects in the world.

Lawyers

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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Shabbir Harianawala, Zahra Abid