At CKR ZIA, we take pride in our extensive experience, skills and expertise in handling complex legal matters across various business sectors. Following is a glimpse of some of our recent works and achievements:

1. Banking Transactions and Capital Market 

In the past few years, we have advised several banks and financial institutions on the lending and security transactions and enforcement actions, including bilateral and syndicated financing, inter-creditor and trust arrangements, for a total value of over USD 500 million in the past year. 

We earlier advised SOEs on the acquisition and enforcement of debt portfolios of state-owned banks for a value of USD 30 million; and re-packaging and transfer of debt portfolios of USD 10 million.

We acted as counsel of a state-owned holding company to refinance outstanding debts of the power sector for a combined total of USD 200 million. 

We provided counsel to corporate brokerage houses and asset management companies on private placements, IPOs, bond issues and securitisation.

2. Oil and Gas Contracts

We conducted thorough review and analysis of contracts in the oil and gas sector, such as the extended well testing facility in Dadu, Sindh, and the gas pipeline project from Reti Maru well No.1 to Engro Fertilizers Limited’s Dharki Plant site.

We advised leading gas companies on GSAs, GSPAs, GTA, access agreements, LOIs, NDAs and JVAs. 

We have advised the two leading gas distribution and supply companies on a host of issues concerning gas supply in Pakistan. 

3. LNG Import Transaction

We acted as counsel to two leading manufacturing industries to undertake LNG import and gas transportation for self-consumption for an aggregate volume of 100 MMCFD; the work included regulatory licenses for LNG imports, commercial dealings with LNG suppliers and gas transportation arrangements with the local transporters. 

We developed the transaction structure for the import, re gasification and transportation of LNG directly by the industry in Pakistan.  

4. Gas Marketing Project

We acted as counsel to a group of local investors to start gas marketing business with an annual sale value of USD 300 million; the work included development of promoters agreement, setting up of special purpose vehicle (SPV), obtaining regulatory license and consents, project agreements for LNG imports, LNG terminal use, gas transportation agreement and gas sale agreement. 

5. Oil Storage Project

We advised an oil marketing company to set up an oil storage project in collaboration with a state-owned company for a value of around USD 200 million; the work included review and advice on all project agreements starting with the joint venture between the two sponsors. 

5. E-Bike Manufacturing Facility

We have acted as counsel to the sponsors of an e-bike manufacturing facility through local and foreign  investment. 

6. Special Technology Park

We have lately advised local investors on the project structure, special purpose vehicle (SPV), and commercial and regulatory documents for the development of a special technology park as well as the applicable tax incentives.  

7. Engineering and Construction Contracts

We have drafted engineering and construction contracts for esteemed clients approved by the Pakistan Engineering Council, including Hussaini Construction Co., Project Support Services Asia Pakistan, Amanah (Private) Limited, and Amanah Mall.

We acted as developers’ counsel for three high-rise, multi-use buildings in and around Islamabad for a total cost of over USD 20 million. The work involved approvals, and development of all project documents reflecting interface with the local authorities, buyers/investors, contractors and O&M parties.

The Firm has advised on several other construction and real estate projects for a total value of over USD 100 million; the support included review and drafting of commercial contracts on development, sale and maintenance services.

8. Bidding Documents

Our Firm played a pivotal role in preparing bidding documents for a multi-storied shopping mall, finalising contracts for HVAC, lift and escalator installations, piling, design and supervision, supply of goods, and lease agreements. 

We advised a large corporation on the preparation of bidding documents for the procurement of engineering equipment, technology products and related services with a cost outlay of USD 5 million. 

9. Renewable Energy Projects

We acted as counsel to a foreign investor to develop two wind farms of 50 MW in Sindh for a value of USD 200 million; the work included full support from planning stage, regulatory consents, licenses, financing arrangements to EPC and insurance. 

Our Firm drafted standard documents for biomass/bagasse based power projects for the Alternate Energy Development Board and negotiated project agreements totalling almost 1,500 MW capacity involving investments of approximately USD 1.7 billion.

10. Power Generation Projects

We acted as sponsors’ counsel in establishing a 10 MW Thermal Power Generation project and a 2.4 MW Hydro Power Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, advising on all legal aspects from inception to financial closing.

11. Acquisition Transactions

We acted as Buyer’s counsel in the acquisition of a significant shareholding in an Islamic Bank valued at PKR 520 Million, and also represented a foreign company in the acquisition of a Pakistani listed company.

We also acted as acquirer’s counsel in the acquisition of several businesses and companies with a combined value of over USD 700 million; the work included support on pre-acquisition LOIs, due diligence, risk analysis, offers, negotiations and formal contract.

12. International Arbitrations

Our team represented a European-based multinational company before the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, demonstrating our expertise in handling cross-border disputes.

13. Corporate Structuring and Formation

We specialize in the formation and structuring of non-banking finance entities, special purpose vehicles, holding and subsidiary companies, franchises, agencies, partnerships, and trusts.

14. Procurements and Supply Transactions 

We advised local and foreign manufacturers and suppliers in the supply of goods and services procured by local businesses and governmental entities for a combined value of over USD 1000 million; including review of bid documents and bids, letters of awards and formal supply contracts.  

We advised foreign manufacturers and suppliers on local distributorships, franchises and partnerships with annual sales of over USD 50 million. 

15. Privatisation

We acted as counsel for the acquisition of a financial institution in the privatisation of a state-owned bank with an estimated sale offer of around USD 20 million.

Our Senior Partner has advised on the structuring of privatisation transaction of power distribution companies, and advisory agreements.

16. Telecommunication

We acted as counsel to two largest telecom companies in respect of their commercial transactions and regulatory affairs.

17. Advisory Services and Regulatory Matters

We have lately advised several clients in obtaining regulatory consents and licenses, including the licenses for midstream and downstream gas businesses.

The Firm has represented large gas transporters, suppliers and sellers before the gas regulator in transactions and other regulatory matters of a combined value of over USD 50 million.   

Our Firm advises on a wide range of legal matters including foreign investment contracts, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, private placements, bond issues, and regulatory compliance.

We are committed to delivering our clients wide-ranging, confidential and specialised legal services to meet their business needs and commercial challenges.