Renowned for its adept handling of high-value, complex transactions, Akhund Forbes caters to leading international banking and fund manager companies. The firm has recently overseen the structuring of the new products for Pakistan’s revived REITs market, as well as advising public and private clients on complex regulatory mandates. The team is jointly led by Rabel Akhund in Karachi, a litigator who is renowned for spearheading cutting-edge transactions in the capital markets space, and he has overseen the firm’s international expansion in Bangladesh. Also heading the group is Sahar Iqbal, a noted specialist in capital markets who handles work for asset management companies and mutual funds.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The quality and valuable feedback with the case at hand and timeliness makes the partners stand out.'
  • 'Sahar Iqbal is instrumental and impresses with her commitment and dedication.'
  • 'Impressive industry knowledge.'
  • 'The team is fully engaged with assignments. I have found the partners spending time in preparing adequately prior to calls and engagements. They are very thorough with this work and do not delegate.'
  • 'I have found Rabel Akhund extremely hands-on with the subject matter and allocates significant time to smaller tasks. The ability to adapt to various situations and geographies is unparalleled.'
  • 'The team has sufficient experience and intellect, access to data bases, technology, collaboration with outside experts, and diversity. The team is dedicated and excellent in providing timely services.'
  • 'Rabel Akhund's research on various legal matters is extensive, his legal opinions comprehensive, and his communication and presentation skills are excellent.'
  • 'Highly professional firm and give timely advice and present in all legal matters before appropriate forums.'

Key clients

  • Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management
  • MCB Arif Habib Investments and Savings Limited
  • UBL Fund Managers Limited
  • NBP Fund Management Limited
  • Ghani Builders & Developers
  • Faysal Funds
  • Arif Habib Limited
  • China Power Hub Generation Company Limited
  • Habib Rice Products Limited
  • Al Meezan Investment Management Limited
  • FTI Consulting
  • Credit Suisse
  • National Investment Trust Limited
  • Javedan Corporation Ltd

Work highlights

  • Represented Credit Suisse and Fullerton Financial Holdings in relation to divestment.
  • Advising Arif Habib Limited as Manager to the Offer on the Initial Public Offer of Dalda Foods Ltd.
  • Advised Arif Habib Group on the divestment of its stake in MCB-Arif Habib Savings and Investments, which is a leading listed asset management company in Pakistan.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rabel Akhund, Sahar Iqbal