Headquartered in Karachi, Akhund Forbes boasts a full-service TMT offering with expertise and in-depth knowledge of the fintech, gaming, and IT sectors. Well-versed in high-value and complex deals, the department regularly advises global businesses, as well as the burgeoning start-up sector, on Pakistan’s investment and regulatory landscape. The team is co-led by Rabel Akhund, a veteran of the industry, and Sahar Iqbal, a noted practitioner in the TMT field who specialises in complex transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Akhund Forbes is a very good firm with broad telecoms experience. I have found the firm both commercial and very practical in its advice. They are also very responsive and cost effective, plus a pleasure to work with.'
  • 'Rabel Akhund is excellent.'
  • 'In-depth knowledge of laws and statutes along with industry-specific knowledge.'
  • 'Akhund Forbes stands out for multiple reasons, namely their ability to understand the client's specific needs, market dynamics, promptness in giving feedback, and legal opinion.'

Key clients

  • Edotco Group SDN Berhad
  • NBP Fund Management Limited
  • Baker & McKenzie LLP
  • Spotify
  • MCB Arif Habib Investments and Savings Limited
  • Edotco Pakistan (Private) Limited
  • Edotco Towers (Private) Limited
  • UBL Fund Managers Limited
  • Mastercard
  • Meta Platforms, Inc.
  • Vodafone Group
  • Kelly Drye & Warren LLP
  • Cleary Gottlieb Steen Hamilton LLP
  • NdcTech (Private) Limited
  • Osborne Clarke
  • Graphene Ventures
  • Kleiner Perkins
  • Sequoia Capital
  • Qiwi Plc
  • Unifonic Inc.
  • Vezeeta.com
  • Perkins Coie LLP
  • Central Depository of Pakistan Limited
  • Simmons & Simmons
  • Timwetech
  • Stealth Startup
  • Encore Pay
  • PayCare
  • Qist Bazaar
  • Lyra Health
  • Dechert LLP
  • Skadden
  • Asia Impact Investment Fund II (Singapore) VCC
  • Slack
  • Mayson Hayes
  • KWM

Work highlights

  • Advising Meta Platforms Inc. on various telecommunication infrastructure related matters, providing complex regulatory advice related to undersea data and telecom cable landing rights and stations.
  • Advising Qist Bazaar, a leading Buy-Now-Pay-Later company, on Bank Alfalah’s equity investment and embedded financing.  
  • Advising EncorePay on all aspects of their business, including their corporate structure, commercial contracts, joint venture arrangements, and investments.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rabel Akhund, Sahar Iqbal