RIAA Barker Gillette (Pakistan) has five offices that together form one of the largest firms in the country, offering the full range of corporate, commercial and dispute resolution legal services.

RIAA Barker Gillette is Pakistan’s representative of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms, with the ability to access leading lawyers in 160 jurisdictions.

RIAA Barker Gillette Pakistan offers full range of legal services to multinational and domestic corporate clients, as well as governments, NGOs, individuals and other organisations.

We offer leading dispute resolution capabilities, and have a long and successful history of representing foreign and local clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings in Pakistan and abroad.

  • Banking and finance
  • Capital markets
  • Commercial
  • Corporate
  • Dispute resolution
  • Employment
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Privatisations
  • Projects and project finance
  • Property and real estate
  • Trade remedies and international trade

  • Energy: natural resources
  • Energy: oil and gas
  • Energy: power
  • Energy: renewables
  • Financial services
  • Healthcare and pharmaceutical
  • Infrastructure Infrastructure and construction
  • Retail and consumer goods
  • Technology, media and communications

Key contacts

Ahsan Zahir Rizvi

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What clients say...

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Sources highlight that "very bright" partner Ahsan Rizvi is "very thorough and able to help things move forward faster."

Chambers & Partners: 2014/15

Sources say that Yousaf Khosa is "always in good command of the matters" he handles. He has particular expertise in telecommunications, energy and mining transactional work.

Chambers & Partners: 2014/15

[Ahsan Zahir Rizvi] continues to be noted for his work in M&A, and for his niche expertise in areas such as telecoms, oil and gas and intellectual property.

Chambers & Partners: 2014/15

Senior partner Ahsan Zahir Rizvi is described by commentators as "one of the brightest corporate lawyers in Pakistan."

Chambers & Partners: 2014/15

RIAA is ‘strong on telecoms-related work’, and has acted on for a number of high-profile clients in this sector.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘experienced’ tax department is praised as ‘top notch’. It is advising several multinational corporate clients on tax structuring to minimise fiscal exposure in Pakistan. Ahsan Rizvi leads on tax mandates.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘strong’ litigation department advised Clariant Chemical and Clariant International on a High Court dispute, and is also acting for K-Electric on a constitutional matter.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘strong’ litigation department advised Clariant Chemical and Clariant International on a High Court dispute, and is also acting for K-Electric on a constitutional matter.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘strong’ litigation department advised Clariant Chemical and Clariant International on a High Court dispute, and is also acting for K-Electric on a constitutional matter.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘exceptionally good’ practice is ‘always available’ and ‘has excellent knowledge of the energy sector’.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘exceptionally good’ practice is ‘always available’ and ‘has excellent knowledge of the energy sector’.

Legal 500: 2015

Highlights for RIAA’s ‘renowned’ corporate practice included advising Unisys International on the sale of its majority shareholding in Unisys Pakistan to International Brands Limited. Recommended individuals include the ‘excellent’ Ahsan Rizvi, Yousaf Khosa, Bilal Shaukat, Nadir Altaf and Omer Soomro.
RIAA Barker Gillette provides notable expertise across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious banking matters, and counts numerous financial institutions among its clients. On the borrower side, the team has experience representing companies in the power, energy and transport sectors.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette provides notable expertise across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious banking matters, and counts numerous financial institutions among its clients. On the borrower side, the team has experience representing companies in the power, energy and transport sectors.

Legal 500: 2016

Operating from five offices across Pakistan, RIAA Barker Gillette has broad experience in debt and equity capital markets and is instructed by a host of multinational banking clients. Karachi-based Ahsan Rizvi is the key figure, drawing on his experience as former director of the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette has an active transactional practice and is instructed by clients across the energy, telecoms, financial services and construction sectors. Complementary expertise in tax, employment and competition benefits a practice covering mergers, acquisitions, takeovers, joint ventures and privatisations.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette has an active transactional practice and is instructed by clients across the energy, telecoms, financial services and construction sectors. Complementary expertise in tax, employment and competition benefits a practice covering mergers, acquisitions, takeovers, joint ventures and privatisations.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette has an active transactional practice and is instructed by clients across the energy, telecoms, financial services and construction sectors. Complementary expertise in tax, employment and competition benefits a practice covering mergers, acquisitions, takeovers, joint ventures and privatisations.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette’s disputes department handles cases spanning constitutional, employment, trade mark, energy and family law.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette’s disputes department handles cases spanning constitutional, employment, trade mark, energy and family law. Omer Soomro is a key contact in the Karachi office, handling High Court and arbitration proceedings.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette maintains an active energy practice, where it advises clients on compliance and liability under environmental law, and assists with licensing and regulatory approvals.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette receives instructions from insurance company clients in relation to both contentious and non-contentious matters. Past work includes handling corporate transactions and international arbitrations.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette advises on corporate and commercial agreements relating to power, water and construction projects, and is becoming increasingly involved in matters concerning wind and other renewables.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette longstanding experience in the construction sector, with past work including the construction and development of hospitals and various power and infrastructure projects. Acquisitions, sales, transfers and property leasing are other mainstays, as is project finance…

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette longstanding experience in the construction sector, with past work including the construction and development of hospitals and various power and infrastructure projects. Acquisitions, sales, transfers and property leasing are other mainstays, as is project finance…

Legal 500: 2016

In the media space, the team has experience in licensing, and advises radio, television and print clients on operational matters.
Telecoms is an area of strength at RIAA Barker Gillette, with the team providing expertise in corporate, commercial and regulatory matters.

Legal 500: 2016

Munir Ahmed is another key contact; his practice covers customs, sales tax and income tax.

Legal 500: 2016

Yousaf Khosa acts for numerous clients in the mining and petroleum sectors in both contentious and non-contentious tax matters. Mustafa.

Legal 500: 2016

Yousaf Khosa acts for numerous clients in the mining and petroleum sectors in both contentious and non-contentious tax matters. Mustafa.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette advises multinational corporate clients on tax structuring and restructuring. It is also active in tax litigation and appeals before the High Court.

Legal 500: 2016

Sources state: "[Omer Soomro]'s someone I really trust - he adds a lot to a case."

Chambers Commentary: Asia-Pacific 2016

Among recent highlights, [Omer Soomro] represented IM Technologies in a USD 197m construction dispute with Karachi Development Company.

Chambers Commentary: Asia Pacific 2016

Clients enthuse about Omer Soomro, describing him as "a very articulate practitioner" with a measured, strategic approach.

Chambers Commentary: Asia Pacific 2016

One source notes that he is "always looking to get the best deal for his clients."

Chambers Commentary: Asia Pacific 2016

One source notes that he is "always looking to get the best deal for his clients."

Chambers Commentary: Asia Pacific 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette…"It is a powerhouse."

Chambers Guide: Asia Pacific 2016

[Bilal Shaukat’s] work highlights include advising Tapal Wind Energy on its establishment of a USD 90m wind power plant in Thatta.”

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Sources note [Bilal Shaukat] is "well known in the industry," and report that they "enjoy working with him."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Bilal Shaukat has a growing reputation in this sphere, especially in relation to coal and wind power projects.

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Bilal Shaukat has a growing reputation in this sphere, especially in relation to coal and wind power projects.

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Renowned for his expertise in the power sector, peers highlight him as "one of the most experienced projects lawyers in Pakistan."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Ahsan Zahir Rizvi continues to be revered by market commentators, who single him out for his "sharp legal mind."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

…a client asserts: "I would always recommend him." He acted for The Hub Power Company on the development and financing of a 1,320 MW coal power project.”

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

“Hasnain Naqvee is widely praised for his effective negotiation skills and tenacious approach. Commentators enthuse that they "find him to be skilled and well versed on projects,".

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

“Islamabad-based Yousaf Khosa has a broad practice that includes expertise in construction contracts and telecoms work, among other areas.”

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

“Bilal Shaukat receives plaudits for providing highly commercial advice on complex transactions. He continues to head the firm's corporate advisory practice.”

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Ahsan Zahir Rizvi is singled out by clients for the depth of his transactional experience and for "bringing a colour and vibrancy to the table."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Sources describe Ahsan Zahir Rizvi as "an exceptional practitioner" and "a backbone of the firm."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

RIAA has provided environmental advice on a number of domestic projects. Omer Soomro is noted for environmental matters.

Legal 500: 2015

“Large and well-reputed practice”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“RIAALaw’s banking and finance department is noted for its ‘vast experience’ and ‘strong track record’”

Tier 1: IFLR1000 2015

“Excellent bench of practitioners with a full-service corporate offering.”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“Our relationship with the firm started 20 years ago and we have never looked back.”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“They really take the time to listen to the case.”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“I only use RIAA and no other firm in Pakistan – I have the utmost regard for them.”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“’Strong’ litigation department”.

The Legal 500: Asia Pacific 2015

“’Renowned’ corporate practice”

Tier 1: IFLR1000 2015

“Excellent bench of practitioners with a full-service corporate offering. Often mandated on big-ticket M&A deals”

The Legal 500: Asia Pacific 2014

Partner Hasnain Naqvee advised Star Hydro Power on a hydro power project. Commentators highlight his high level of activity in this field as well as the good quality of his work.

Chambers & Partners: 2014/15

Partner Hasnain Naqvee advised Star Hydro Power on a hydro power project. Commentators highlight his high level of activity in this field as well as the good quality of his work.

Chambers & Partners: 2014/15

[Ahsan Zahir Rizvi] advised Inter State Gas Systems on a government to government agreement for the Iran–Pakistan pipeline project.

Chambers & Partners: 2014/15

Ahsan Rizvi (a former director of the Karachi Stock Exchange) is recommended for capital markets work.

Legal 500: 2015

…banking and finance department is noted for its ‘vast experience’ and ‘strong track record’ on project finance. Clients include the ‘pragmatic’ Bilal Shaukat, and Ahsan Rizvi, who is rated as ‘excellent’.

Legal 500: 2015

Hasan Rizvi is “technically assured and resourceful” and with "good local market knowledge".

Legal 500: 2015

"Clients enjoy working with Islamic finance specialist Hasan Rizvi... He wins praise from sources for being 'extremely responsive, commercially practical and incredibly diligent'".

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business

"We have a very positive relationship with them. They are proactive, down-to-earth, thorough and extremely knowledgeable when finding solutions."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"I have the utmost regard for the firm; they are first class."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"They have vast experience of the power sector, and always provide alternative solutions to problems - they really take ownership of the projects they are working on."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

What the team is known for: Active on a wide range of conventional and renewable projects, including notable activity on the conversion of power plants to coal.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

What the team is known for: Offers high levels of expertise in the power sector, advising the sponsors on development, financing and regulatory issues.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

He keeps things on an even keel and so people trust him, even those on the other side."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Sources highlight his strong negotiation capabilities, with one noting: "He can see the other side's perspective, that is his greatest strength.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Ahsan Zahir Rizvi is held in high regard for his depth of expertise in the power sector.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

[Ahsan Zahir Rizvi] is also praised for "his precision in giving advice. He is very to the point."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Senior partner Ahsan Zahir Rizvi is one of Pakistan's most highly reputed transactional lawyers: "He is one of the most individually outstanding people, both from a commercial point of view and a legal point of view."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"RIAA has a very strong reputation for handling commercial and corporate matters."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"They have been absolutely outstanding. I don't think there is a team more dedicated."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Excellent bench of practitioners with a full-service corporate offering. Often mandated on big-ticket M&A deals, particularly for corporations in the energy and power sectors.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“We mainly use RIAA, as they’re very reliable and always there to help”

The Legal 500: Asia Pacific 2014

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