Azam & Rai

Azam & Rai engaged by foreign investors based in Denmark, New Zealand and Australia for incorporation of a subsidiary in Pakistan

2011-12-30T17:45:00.007+05:00

Sector: Corporate Law
Azam & Rai has been engaged by foreign investors based in Denmark, New Zealand and Australia for incorporation of a subsidiary company in Pakistan for providing accounting, audit and financial advisory services to clients in major European countries and for conducting trade and commercial activities within the commodities market as well as consultancy on international trade relationships.

Azam & Rai incorporates telecom company on behalf of domestic investors

2011-11-21T18:12:00.004+05:00

Sectors: Corporate & Telecommunication Laws
Azam & Rai has incorporated a telecom company, Infostructure Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., on behalf of domestic investors.

Azam & Rai engaged by major U.S. biotechnology company for legal advice on seed registration and certification in Pakistan

2011-10-26T17:28:00.006+05:00

Sector: Agriculture & Biotechnology Laws
Azam & Rai has been engaged by a major U.S. biotechnology company based in California for legal advice on seed registration and certification in Pakistan and review of an agreement for field activities with a local partner.

In Writ Petition filed through Azam & Rai, the Islamabad High Court restrains the PTA from taking action against 4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd.

2011-04-20T12:29:00.005+05:00

Sector: Telecommunications Laws
In Writ Petition No. 1180/2011 filed by Azam & Rai before the Islamabad High Court on behalf of 4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd. against (i) the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom (Government of Pakistan); (ii) the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority; (iii) the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited and; (iv) the Universal Service Fund Company, the Islamabad High Court has restrained the respondents from taking any coercive action against 4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd. under the Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Regime. In the said Writ Petition, 4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd. has challenged the constitutionality and legality of the APC for USF Regime.

4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd. is one of 14 Long-Distance International (LDI) Licensees in Pakistan and is the fourth LDI licensee that Azam & Rai is representing and the fifth LDI licensee, which has consulted Azam & Rai.

Azam & Rai engaged by 4B Gentel International(Pvt.) Ltd. to challenge the APC for USF Regime in the Islamabad High Court

2011-04-19T14:52:00.011+05:00

Sector: Telecommunications Laws
Azam & Rai has filed a Writ Petition in the Islamabad High Court on behalf of 4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd., a telecom company, against (i) the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom (Government of Pakistan); (ii) the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority; (iii) the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited and; (iv) the Universal Service Fund Company, challenging the constitutionality and legality of the Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Regime.

4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd. is one of 14 Long-Distance International (LDI) Licensees in Pakistan and is the fourth LDI licensee that Azam & Rai is representing and the fifth LDI licensee, which has consulted Azam & Rai.

Azam & Rai incorporates IT company on behalf of domestic investors

2011-04-01T15:06:00.003+05:00

Sectors: Corporate & Information Technology Laws
Azam & Rai has incorporated an information technology company, Think-e Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd., on behalf of domestic investors.

Azam & Rai advises British telecom company on agreement with Pakistani subsidiary of a major Norwegian telecom company

2011-03-23T15:01:00.001+05:00

Sector: Telecommunications Laws
Azam & Rai has advised a British telecom company on its telecom agreement with the Pakistani subsidiary of a major Norwegian telecom company.

Azam & Rai opens branch office in Islamabad

2011-03-15T07:35:00.015+05:00

To better serve its clients, Azam & Rai has opened a branch office in Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan.

The Azam & Rai Islamabad Office is situated at:

No. 2, First Floor
Masco Plaza
64-W Jinnah Avenue
Block H, Blue Area
Islamabad 44000
Pakistan

The Azam & Rai Islamabad Office overlooks the picturesque Margalla Hills and is situated on Islamabad's main commercial boulevard, the Jinnah Avenue, in Islamabad's main commercial district, the Blue Area.

The opening of the Islamabad Office enables Azam & Rai to better serve its clients in Islamabad and its environs and to better represent its clients before Federal regulatory authorities, the Islamabad High Court and the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court.

Azam & Rai engaged by Canada-based multinational energy company

2011-02-11T23:12:00.004+05:00

Sector: Dispute Resolution and M&A
Azam & Rai has been engaged by a multinational energy company headquartered in Canada in its dispute with a local company and for a M&A transaction.

Azam & Rai engaged by Brussels-based lawyer for advice on termination of a distribution agreement in Pakistan

2010-12-06T01:11:00.003+05:00

Sector: International Business Transactions
Azam & Rai has been engaged by a Brussels-based lawyer for advice on the termination by its client, a major European food manufacturer, of its distribution agreement with a local distributor in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai incorporates telecom company in Pakistan for Mexico-based Spanish investors

2010-12-03T12:56:00.002+05:00

Sectors: Corporate & Telecommunications Laws
Azam & Rai has incorporated a telecom company in Pakistan for Mexico-based Spanish investors with a view to obtaining for it a Class License for Value Added Services from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Azam & Rai engaged by UK-based client for advice on inheritance and succession laws

2010-12-01T01:03:00.004+05:00

Sector: Succession & Inheritance Laws
Azam & Rai has been engaged by UK-based client for advice on the inheritance and succession laws of Pakistan and for obtaining a declaratory decree and succession certificate from Pakistani courts in relation to the estate of a deceased UK national in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai engaged by Mexico-based Spanish investors

2010-11-01T12:52:00.002+05:00

Sector: Corporate and Telecommunications Laws
Azam & Rai has been engaged by Mexico-based Spanish investors for incorporating a telecom company in Pakistan and for obtaining a Class License for Value Added Services from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Azam & Rai invited by WEBCOP to a Stakeholders Consultation on ADR mechanisms for resolving labour disputes

2010-07-01T15:03:00.002+05:00

Sector: Labour Law
Azam & Rai's R.M.S. Azam was invited to participate in a Stakeholders’ Consultation on “Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms for Resolving Labour Disputes” held under the auspices of the Workers Employers Bilateral Council of Pakistan (WEBCOP) with the support of the Solidarity Centre, Islamabad at the Hotel Regent Plaza, Karachi on 30 June 2010.

In Writ Petition filed through Azam & Rai, the Lahore High Court restrains the PTA from taking action against Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.

2010-06-01T16:00:00.007+05:00

Sector: Telecommunication Laws
In Writ Petition No. 2356/2010 filed by Azam & Rai before the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court on behalf of Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Lahore High Court has restrained the PTA from taking any action against Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. in relation to the payment of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for the Universal Service Fund (USF) under the Access Promotion Regulation, 2005, pursuant to the Access Promotion Rules 2004 and the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996.

Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., an Axiata (formerly TMI) Group Subsidiary, is one of 14 Long-Distance International (LDI) Licensees in Pakistan.

Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. is one of four LDI licensees, which Azam & Rai is representing before the High Court in the dispute, which all LDI licensees have with the PTA in relation to APC for USF payments. 5 out of 14 LDI licensees have consulted Azam & Rai in this regard.

Azam & Rai engaged by 4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd. in its dispute with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

2010-05-31T13:17:00.004+05:00

Sector: Telecommunication Laws
Azam & Rai has been engaged by 4B Gentel International(Pvt.) Ltd., a telecom company, in its dispute with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) related to the payment of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for the Universal Service Fund (USF) under the Access Promotion Regulations, 2005, pursuant to the Access Promotion Rules 2004 and the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996.

4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd. is one of 14 Long-Distance International (LDI) Licensees in Pakistan.

4B Gentel International is the fourth LDI licensee, which Azam & Rai is representing in its dispute with the PTA, and the fifth LDI licensee, which has consulted Azam & Rai.

Azam & Rai advises Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli

2010-05-20T15:16:00.007+05:00

Sector: International Business Transactions
Azam & Rai has advised Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG (Switzerland) and Lindt & Sprüngli International AG (Switzerland) - both Lindt Group companies - one of the world's leading chocolate manufacturers on a distribution transaction in Pakistan.

In Writ Petition filed through Azam & Rai, Lahore High Court restrains PTA from withdrawing concesson given to Wateen Telecom

2010-05-17T15:40:00.015+05:00

Sector: Telecommunication Laws
In Writ Petition No. 3280/2009 filed by Azam & Rai before the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court on behalf of Wateen Telecom Ltd. against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Lahore High Court has restrained the PTA from withdrawing a concession granted by the PTA to Wateen Telecom in relation to the payment in installments of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for the Universal Service Fund (USF) under the Access Promotion Regulations, 2005, pursuant to the Access Promotion Rules 2004 and the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996.

Wateen Telecom, a Karachi Stock Exhange-listed subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Group of the United Arab Emirates, is one of 14 Long-Distance International (LDI) Licensees in Pakistan.

Wateen Telecom is one of three LDI licensees, which Azam & Rai is representing before the High Court in the dispute, which all LDI licensees have with the PTA in relation to APC for USF payments. 5 out of 14 LDI licensees have consulted Azam & Rai in this regard.

Azam & Rai participates in International Conference on “Challenges in Implementing Competition Law in Developing Countries”

2010-05-12T17:29:00.007+05:00

Sector: Competition Law
As part of the Firm's continuing commitment to keep abreast of the latest legal developments, Mr. R.M.S. Azam, Partner, participated in the International Conference on “Challenges in Implementing Competition Law in Developing Countries” held under the auspices of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore on 11-12 May 2010.

Azam & Rai engaged by Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. in its dispute with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

2010-05-11T15:09:00.015+05:00

Sector: Telecommunication Laws
Azam & Rai has been engaged by Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., a telecom company, in its dispute with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) related to the payment of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for the Universal Service Fund (USF) under the Access Promotion Regulations, 2005, pursuant to the Access Promotion Rules 2004 and the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996.

Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., an Axiata (formerly TMI) Group Subsidiary, is one of 14 Long-Distance International (LDI) Licensees in Pakistan.

Multinet Pakistan is the third LDI licensee, which Azam & Rai is representing in its dispute with the PTA, and the fifth LDI licensee, which has consulted Azam & Rai.

Azam & Rai attends lecture on "The Role of the Competition Commission of Pakistan in Consumer Protection"

2010-05-03T19:23:00.002+05:00

Sector: Competition Law
As part of the Firm's continuing commitment to keep abreast of the latest legal developments, Mr. R.M.S. Azam (Partner), Ms. Ruqia Ismail (Partner, Real Estate Practice Group & Associate) and Ms. Sehrish Tasneem Zafar (Associate) attended a Lecture by Mr. Khalid A. Mirza, Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan, on "The Role of the Competition Commission of Pakistan in Consumer Protection" held under the auspices of the Concerned Citizens of Pakistan's Rule of Law Lecture Series at Lahore on 3 May 2010.

In appeal filed by Redtone Telecommunications through Azam & Rai, Lahore High Court suspends PTA’s order and restores Redtone’s LDI License

2010-04-28T17:00:00.001+05:00

Sector: Telecommunication Laws
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had suspended the Long Distance International (LDI) License of Redtone Telecommunications Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. (Redtone) through its Enforcement Order dated 23.04.2010.

Through its lawyers, M/s Azam & Rai (Advocates & Legal Consultants), Redtone filed an Appeal (F.A.O. No. 81 of 2010) against the PTA’s Enforcement Order in the Rawalpindi Bench of the Hon’ble Lahore High Court on 26.04.2010 in which Redtone has challenged the suspension of its LDI License by the PTA on the grounds of it being, inter alia, illegal, discriminatory and arbitrary. While granting interim relief to Redtone, the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Asad Munir, vide his Order dated 27.04.2010, has suspended PTA’s Enforcement Order, thereby restoring Redtone’s LDI License.

Azam & Rai engaged by Redtone Telecommunications Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. to file Appeal against Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

2010-04-26T13:42:00.002+05:00

Sector: Telecommunication Laws
Azam & Rai has been engaged by Redtone Telecommunications Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. to file an Appeal in the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)'s Enforcement Order dated 23.04.2010 under which the PTA had suspended Redtone's Long-Distance International (LDI) License.

Redtone Telecommunications Pakistan, a subsidiary of Quantum Global Networks, Inc. (incorporated in the U.S.A.), is one of 14 LDI Licensees in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai engaged by UK solicitors firm for legal advice on succession and inheritance laws of Pakistan

2010-04-15T18:05:00.008+05:00

Sector: Succession & Inheritance Laws
Azam & Rai was engaged by Julia T. Betts (Solicitors) of the United Kingdom for legal advice on the succession and inheritance laws of Pakistan and for providing an affidavit as to foreign law for submission in the High Court of Justice, Family Division, The District Probate Registry at Manchester, United Kingdom.

Azam & Rai advises the Constitutional Reforms Comittee of Parliament against abolishment of the Concurrent Legislative List

2010-03-23T20:30:00.006+05:00

Sector: Constitutional Law
Azam & Rai has advised the 27-Member Special Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms against the abolishment of the Concurrent Legislative List under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.

The 16-page published report titled "Why the Concurrent Legislative List should not be abolished in the National Interest" was also provided to all 342 Members of the National Assembly of Pakistan and all 100 Senators of Pakistan.

Azam & Rai engaged for acquisition of 45 acres of peri-urban land worth USD 431,000 (PKR 36.2 Million) for a low-income housing development project

2010-02-23T19:13:00.021+05:00

Sector: Real Estate & Property Law
Azam & Rai was engaged by Immersion (Pvt.) Ltd., a land development company co-owned by some of the world's leading social venture capital funds, namely New York-based Acumen Fund., Inc. and Oasis Capital (Mauritius) Ltd. (through the Geneva-based commercial global investment advisory firm, Bamboo Finance), for the acquisition of 45 acres of peri-urban land worth USD 431,000 (PKR 36.2 Million) in the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan for a low-income housing development project as part of a social venture capital investment.

Azam & Rai was engaged to provide (i) pre-acquisition advice on property laws and property-acquisition procedures; (ii) due diligence, title document discovery and title verification; and (iii) the entire handling of the land aquisition process (including documentation) upto the registration of the transfer of title of the property with the relevant authorities.

Azam & Rai engaged by Redtone Telecommunications Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. in its dispute with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

2010-02-02T18:57:00.007+05:00

Sector: Telecommunication Laws
Azam & Rai filed a Writ Petition against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on behalf of Redtone Telecommunications Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. in the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court in a dispute related to the payment of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for the Universal Service Fund (USF) under the Access Promotion Regulations, 2005, pursuant to the Access Promotion Rules 2004 and the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996.

Redtone Telecommunications Pakistan, a subsidiary of Quantum Global Networks, Inc. (incorporated in the U.S.A.), is one of 14 Long-Distance International (LDI) Licensees in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai engaged by Wateen Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd. in its dispute with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

2009-11-04T18:50:00.005+05:00

Sector: Telecommunication Laws
Azam & Rai filed a Writ Petition against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on behalf of Wateen Telecom Ltd. in the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court in a dispute related to the payment of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) for the Universal Service Fund (USF) under the Access Promotion Regulations, 2005, pursuant to the Access Promotion Rules 2004 and the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996.

Wateen Telecom, a subsidiary of the Dhabi Group, is one of 14 Long-Distance International (LDI) Licensees in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai advises domestic investors on establishment of a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) as a Fund Management Company (FMC)

2009-09-02T12:27:00.005+06:00

Sector: Corporate Laws
Azam & Rai has advised domestic investors dealing in options trading on the establishment of a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) as a Fund Management Company (FMC) for their proposed venture capital investment business.

Supreme Court of Pakistan declares imposition of emergency rule and removal of 60 judges by Pervez Musharraf in 2007 "unconstitutional" and "illegal"

2009-08-01T13:09:00.040+06:00

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark judgment delivered in the petition titled Sindh High Court Bar Association vs. Federation of Pakistan, a 14-member Full Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (http://www.supremecourt.gov.pk/) has declared the November 3, 2007 imposition of Emergency Rule in Pakistan and removal of 60 Supreme Court and High Court judges by then President General Pervez Musharraf in his capacity as the Chief of the Army Staff as "unconstitutional", "illegal" and of "no legal effect".

The Supreme Court has further declared the following actions as unconstitutional and of no legal effect:

(i) the appointment of Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar as the Chief Justice of Pakistan on November 3, 2007;

(ii) the appointment and elevation of 110 judges of the superior courts between November 3, 2007 and 22 March, 2009;

(iii) the increase in the number of permanent Supreme Court judges from 17 to 27 through the Finance Act, 2008;

(iv) the establishment of the Islamabad High Court through a Presidential Ordinance.

It may be pertinent to recall that, on November 3, 2007, President Musharraf, who was unconstitutionally simultaneously holding two offices - that of President and Chief of Army Staff - had declared emergency to remove the Chief Justice of Pakistan and 59 other Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as he feared that the Supreme Court would disqualify him from standing for a second term as President. In a move that was unprecedented in Pakistan's and the world's judicial history, Musharraf moved to impose emergency to remove 60 judges of the Pakistan's superior judiciary to pre-empt the Supreme Court from disqualifying him.

The judgment will affect 110 judges of various superior courts: 15 judges of the Supreme Court; 41 of the Lahore High Court; 27 of the Sindh High Court; 10 of the Peshawar High Court, all 5 of the Balochistan High Court; 8 of the Islamabad High Court; and 4 of the Federal Shariat Court.

This historic judgment of the Supreme Court has been well received by the people of Pakistan and widely acclaimed by the legal community as it seen to strengthen constitutional rule, the rule of law, accountability and democracy in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai drafts tripartite software licensing agreement between Pakistani, British and U.S. software companies

2009-07-13T17:44:00.009+06:00

Sector: Information Technology Laws
Azam & Rai was engaged to draft a tripartite software licensing agreement between a Pakistani software development company, a British software company and the U.S. subsidiary of a leading French software company on the licensing of two software solutions developed by the Pakistani software development company and its affiliated company in the United Kingdom to be rebranded and sold under license in North America by the U.S. subsidiary of a French software company.

Azam & Rai advises on cross-border multi-party project along with two leading U.S. law firms

2009-07-10T00:06:00.069+06:00

Sector: Corporate Laws
Azam & Rai was engaged as lead lawyer in the redrafting of the Articles of Association of two limited liability companies - Immersion (Private) Limited (Immersion), a project development company and Ansaar Management Company (Private) Limited (AMC), a project management company.

AMC focuses on managing projects for investors in the affordable housing sector. Immersion - a joint venture between AMC (Pakistan), Acumen Fund Inc. (USA) (Acumen) and Oasis Capital (Mauritius) Ltd. (Oasis) - has been established with the objective of developing affordable low-income housing in Pakistan with funding from Acumen and Oasis.

Acumen is a USD $50 million non-profit fund that uses philanthropic funds from the private sector and injects them into financially sustainable businesses that focus on lower income segments. Oasis is a USD $30 million for-profit social venture capital fund that focuses on providing capital to businesses that serve the lower income segments.

Also involved in the project is the Geneva-based fund manager for Oasis, namely Bamboo Finance, a commercial global investment advisory firm specializing in the financing of social entrepreneurship and its sister concern, Blue Orchard, a USD $800 million fund that offers loans to microfinance institutes globally.

As part of its responsibilities, Azam & Rai advised on the implementation of the Shareholders Agreements (based on New York laws) entered into between AMC, Immersion, Acumen and Oasis and their compliance with Pakistani company law. The New York offices of two leading U.S. law firms - White & Case LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP advised Acumen and AMC respectively on the drafting of the Shareholders Agreements and Share Subscription Agreements for this project.

Azam & Rai is also representing both Immersion and AMC in corporate implementation, due diligence and statutory compliance matters before the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

See White & Case's note on this project:
http://www.whitecase.com/publications_04202009/

Azam & Rai files trademark registration applications on behalf Lahore International Medical Centre (Pvt.) Ltd.

2009-06-02T16:19:00.001+06:00

Sector: Intellectual Property Laws
Azam & Rai has filed two trademark registration applications with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan on behalf of Lahore International Medical Centre (Pvt.) Ltd. for the registration of its name and logo.

Azam & Rai briefs the Provincial Government of the Punjab on the legal aspects of Public-Private Partnership (P3) models for the healthcare sector

2009-05-29T15:14:00.001+06:00

Sector: Investment Laws
Azam & Rai has briefed the Provincial Government of the Punjab on the legal aspects of Public-Private Partnership (P3) models for the healthcare sector. The brief is in relation to the proposed grant of land by the Punjab Government for the establishment of a 300-bed tertiary care general hospital in Lahore by a private company on the basis of public-private partnership.

Azam & Rai engaged by Spanish law firm for filing trademark application on behalf of its client

2009-05-28T16:21:00.000+06:00

Sector: Intellectual Property Laws
Azam & Rai has been engaged by a leading Madrid-based Spanish law firm for filing a trademark application with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan for the registration of a trademark belonging to one of its clients.

Azam & Rai files trademark registration application on behalf of Zenith Sports (Pvt.) Ltd.

2009-05-28T16:12:00.004+06:00

Sector: Intellectual Property Laws
Azam & Rai has filed a trademark registration application with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan on behalf of Zenith Sports (Pvt.) Ltd. for the registration of the name of its Faisalabad-based football club, namely "Club Athletico", which plays in the national league under the Pakistan Football Federation. Zenith Sports (Pvt.) Ltd. is owned by foreign investors from Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

Azam & Rai participates in IFC's and World Bank's 'Investing Across Borders' project

2009-05-09T17:25:00.006+06:00

Sector: Investment Laws
Azam & Rai was invited by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank to participate in the Investing Across Borders (IAB) indicators project under the auspices of their Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS). This global project benchmarks the ease of establishing and operating foreign-owned companies in countries across the world by evaluating their investment policy framework and its implementation in practice.

The IAB project aims to compare the quality of investment climates across countries, identify good practices in investment policy design and implementation, and stimulate and advise investment policy reforms. The IAB indicators are based on a survey of private sector practitioners – investment lawyers and consultants advising foreign investors – and combine an evaluation of the quality of laws and policies, and their implementation and enforcement in practice. Only a select number of firms - recognized as leading providers of legal and business advisory services to investors - were approached in each country.

The principal objective of the IAB project is to stimulate reforms leading to a more business-conducive, transparent and secure environment for foreign direct investment. The project is modeled after the Doing Business initiative of the World Bank Group (in which Azam & Rai also participated), which provides information on business regulation for domestic enterprises. Doing Business has inspired over 170 reforms worldwide and boasts one of the busiest databases with over 1.6 million online visits last year alone. It is intended that the IAB project will have a similar lasting positive effect.

Azam & Rai gave its input on the following:

(i) Investing in Sectors - measuring restrictions on foreign equity ownership in a variety of sectors in Pakistan.

(ii) Starting a Foreign Business - measuring the process for establishing subsidiaries of foreign companies in Pakistan's largest business cities.

(iii) Accessing Land - measuring the process of leasing land in Pakistan's largest business cities and examining land rights and land information available to investors.

(iv) Arbitrating Disputes - examining Pakistan's legal framework on domestic and international arbitration, enforcement of arbitration awards, and mediation.

Azam & Rai advises major Pakistani media group on establishment of company limited by guarantee

2009-05-04T15:37:00.004+06:00

Sector: Corporate Laws
Azam & Rai has advised a major Pakistani media group (owners of a major national news channel in Pakistan) - on the establishment of a company limited by guarantee.

Azam & Rai obtains approval for a Class License for Value Added Services from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for Singapore telecoms company

2009-02-27T14:52:00.002+05:00

Sector: Telecommunications Laws
Azam & Rai has obtained approval of a Class License for Value Added Services (VAS) from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for the Pakistani subsidiary of a Singapore Stock Exchange-listed telecommunications company headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The license approval enables the client to provide VAS to a major telecom company providing mobile telecom services in Pakistan.

Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan more than doubles Company Registration Fees

2009-02-06T14:07:00.009+05:00

Sector: Corporate & Investment Laws
The Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), vide its Statutory Regulatory Order (S.R.O.) No. 119(I)/2009 with effect from 6 February 2009, has more than doubled the Company Registration Fees for all ranges of Authorized Capital.

After the said increase, a company with an authorized capital of Rs. 100,000 will be required to pay registration fees of PKR 9,000 instead of the previous PKR 3,300 whereas a company with an authorized capital of PKR 10 Million will be required to pay registration fees of PKR Rs. 108,000 instead of the previous PKR 40,300.

Furthermore, the previous ceiling of PKR 10 Million on company registration fees has been removed and is now unilimited depending on the authorized capital.

The SECP has also increased document filing fees from PKR 200 to PKR 1,000 per document.

This is the first such increase in company registration fees since 9 December 2003 and will increase the cost of doing business in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai again recommended by The Asia-Pacific Legal 500 as one of the leading firms in 'Banking and Finance' and 'Corporate and M&A'

2009-01-01T13:27:00.000+05:00

For the fourth consecutive year, Azam & Rai has been recommended by The Asia-Pacific Legal 500 (A Guide to Asia’s Commercial Law Firms) as one of the leading law firms in the areas of Banking & Finance and Corporate/M&A in Pakistan. The Asia-Pacific Legal 500 is a UK-based organization, which ranks top law firms in the Asia-Pacific region and publishes its findings in an annual publication.

In the latest The Asia-Pacific Legal 500 (2008-2009 Edition), Azam & Rai is ranked amongst the top 22 law firms in the Banking & Finance sector and, once again, amongst the top 20 law firms in the Corporate/M&A sector in Pakistan.

In its commentary, The Asia-Pacific Legal 500 (2008-2009 Edition) states:

Though smaller than some rivals, five-lawyer Azam & Rai enjoys an excellent reputation for corporate and commercial advice to clients such as Saudi Pak Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Stahl Holdings BV and Terraco Group, and provides 'personalised legal services’ and has 'an appreciation of a client’s commercial needs’. Rai Muhammad Saleh Azam is 'an incisive all-round lawyer who combines his experience of litigation and transactional work to provide very good commercial legal advice’.

Pinsent Masons visits Azam & Rai

2008-12-02T15:48:00.002+05:00

Mr. Richard Twomey (Senior Associate) and Mr. Stefan Paciorek (Partner) from the London office of Pinsent Masons - one of the world's leading law firms - visited the offices of Azam & Rai in Lahore and met with Managing Partner, Mr. R.M.S. Azam. The Pakistani legal sector was discussed along with matters of mutual interest, particularly in the field of international arbitration. The prospects of collaboration between the two law firms in relation to arbitration concerning Pakistani clients also came under discussion.

Azam & Rai transfers website to new domain: www.azamrai.com

2008-11-12T15:53:00.000+05:00

Azam & Rai has transferred its website from its previous domain at 'www.azam-rai.com' to its new domain at www.azamrai.com.

Azam & Rai partner recommended by Chambers Asia 2009 and Chambers Global 2009

2008-10-27T12:30:00.004+06:00

Azam & Rai partner, Mr. R.M.S. Azam, has been recommended by Chambers Asia 2009 and Chambers Global 2009 as one of the 'Leading Lawyers' in the corporate and commercial sectors in Pakistan.

Chambers Asia 2009, which ranks the leading lawyers of Asia and Chambers Global 2009, which ranks the leading lawyers of the world - are both publications of Chambers & Partners, London (http://www.chambersandpartners.com/), which annually ranks leading lawyers - regionally and globally.

Chambers Global is referred to by Chambers & Partners as the "directory of the most highly recommended lawyers world-wide."

Chambers lawyer rankings - universally recognized as one of the most credible and prestigious in the world - are based on independent research conducted by Chambers & Partners based on market reputation, which is guaged from in-depth interviews and feeback from clients and lawyers.

In its commentary, Chambers Asia 2009 states:

Rai Azam is the “dynamic young lead lawyer” at Azam & Rai, which has built a strong reputation as a one-stop shop for foreign investors. Azam advises foreign clients on every stage of their investment into Pakistan and he has also developed particular expertise in IT.

Azam & Rai incorporates Pakistan subsidiary of Singapore Stock Exchange-listed telecom company

2008-10-15T15:06:00.007+06:00

Sector: Investment & Corporate Laws
Azam & Rai incorporated Unified Communications (Pvt.) Ltd. in Pakistan as a subsidiary of Unified Communications Pte. Ltd., a Singapore Stock Exchange-listed telecommunications company headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Azam & Rai (Lahore) and Kakakhel Law Associates (Peshawar) enter into strategic collaborative arrangement

2008-09-01T16:51:00.000+06:00

As part of its strategic goal of becoming a 'national law firm' with offices in all the four provinces of Pakistan, Azam & Rai has entered into a strategic collaborative arrangement with Kakakhel Law Associates, one of the leading law firms in Peshawar, resulting in the opening of Azam & Rai's branch office in Peshawar and Kakakhel Law Associate's branch office in Lahore.

Peshawar is the capital of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), one of Pakistan's four provinces. With the opening of Azam & Rai's Peshawar office and Kakakhel Law Associate's Lahore office, Azam & Rai and Kakakhel Law Associates will become the only law firms in Pakistan with offices in both the cities of Lahore and Peshawar and the provinces of the Punjab and the NWFP.

Mian Muhibullah Kakakhel, Esq., Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan, who heads Kakakhel Law Associates, Peshawar, will also head Azam & Rai's Peshawar office.

The Peshawar office will enable Azam & Rai to provide legal services to local and overseas clients who require legal services in Peshawar and the NWFP and to clients based in Peshawar and the NWFP who require legal services in Lahore and the Punjab.

Due to its proximity to Afghanistan and its location in one of the most important cities on the Afghan Transit Trade Corridor, the Peshawar office will also enable Azam & Rai to provide legal services related to the Afghan Transit Trade through Pakistan as well as to those clients interested in investing and doing business in Afghanistan who require international-standard legal services with local knowledge.

Azam & Rai engaged to draft the Memorandum & Articles of Association for Luxembourg company - International Medical Centre Group S.A.

2008-08-25T11:05:00.000+06:00

Sector: Corporate Laws
Azam & Rai has been engaged by clients based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to draft the Memorandum & Articles of Association for incorporation of a company in Luxembourg - International Medical Centre Group S.A.

Azam & Rai advises Dubai-based law firm on Pakistan's statute of limitations

2008-08-19T15:42:00.003+06:00

Azam & Rai has advised Dubai-based law firm, Fichte & Co. (Legal Consultancy), on Pakistan's statute of limitations.

Azam & Rai advises Singapore telecommunications company on investment climate and corporate legal/regulatory framework in Pakistan

2008-08-16T15:03:00.001+06:00

Sector: Investment Climate & Corporate Laws
Azam & Rai has advised a Singapore Stock Exchange-listed telecommunications company on the investment climate and the corporate legal and regulatory framework in Pakistan as a prelude to its investment in the telecommunications sector in Pakistan.

Cabinet approves draft Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Ordinance, 2008: Anti-Dumping Appellate Tribunal Proposed

2008-08-16T14:47:00.001+06:00

Sector: International Trade Law - Anti-Dumping
The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan has approved the draft Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Ordinance 2008, seeking amendments in the Anti-Dumping Duties Ordinance, 2000. The new amendments propose the establishment of an appellate tribunal, headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, for hearing appeals against decisions of the National Tariff Commission (NTC) in anti-dumping cases.

The promulgation of this Ordinance will fill a vacuum that has always existed since 2000 as a result of the absence of an appeal mechanism with regard to the imposition of anti-dumping duties by the NTC.

FBR considers decentralizing Sales Tax Registration

2008-08-16T14:23:00.000+06:00

Sector: Taxation Laws
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) may delegate powers to regional collectors of sales tax to issue sales tax registration numbers and certificates from regional registration offices rather than through the Centralized Registration Office (CRO), Islamabad. This will expedite the process of obtaining sales tax registration numbers and certificates and will lessen the time and cost of doing business in Pakistan, thereby further encouraging both domestic and foreign investment in Pakistan.

SNGPL challenges ECC raw material price escalation formula in the Lahore High Court

2008-08-13T14:41:00.000+06:00

Sectors: Energy Laws & Dispute Resolution
Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) has challenged the decision by the Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) on raw material price escalation formula in the Lahore High Court. It has made the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) a party to the petition for demanding the implementation of the ECC decision.

Azam & Rai drafts tripartite software distribution agreement between Pakistani, British and Australian companies

2008-07-31T17:55:00.000+06:00

Sector: Information Technology Laws
Azam & Rai was engaged to draft a tripartite value added distributer (VAD) agreement between a Pakistani software development company, a British software company and an Australian software distribution company for the non-exclusive distribution and sale in Australia of a software solution developed by the Pakistani software development company and its affiliated company in the United Kingdom.

Azam & Rai drafts share subscription agreements for Lahore International Medical Centre and LIMC Holdings Luxembourg

2008-07-25T18:30:00.004+06:00

Sector: Corporate Laws
Azam & Rai drafted share subscription agreements for a Pakistani company, Lahore International Medical Centre (Pvt.) Ltd., and a Luxembourg company, LIMC Holdings Luxembourg.

Azam & Rai engaged by overseas investors to incorporate sports company in Pakistan

2008-06-23T18:26:00.000+06:00

Sectors: Investment, Corporate & Sports Laws

Azam & Rai has been engaged by six overseas investors based in Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom for the incorporation of a sports company in Pakistan, which will oversee the establishment of one of the first private-sector corporate football clubs in Pakistan and will commercially promote sports in Pakistan generally.

Azam & Rai will also be providing general legal advisory as well as taxation law and intellectual property law services to the company.

Azam & Rai Partner Muhammad Asif Bhatti receives Pakistan Supreme Court license

2008-06-23T18:11:00.000+06:00

Sector: Dispute Resolution

Azam & Rai Partner Muhammad Asif Bhatti has been enrolled as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan by the Pakistan Bar Council, which entitles him to appear before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Mr. Bhatti was previously enrolled as an Advocate of the Lower Courts in 1993 and as an Advocate of the High Courts in 1995.

With this enrollment, Mr. Bhatti joins a select band of less than 2,000 lawyers in Pakistan who are entitled to appear before the Supreme Court of Pakistan. His enrollment gives Azam & Rai the ability to directly litigate before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Mr. Bhatti is an experienced and accomplished litigator and specializes in dispute resolution.

Azam & Rai lawyers participate in "Long March" for the restoration of the Pakistani judiciary

2008-06-14T18:45:00.000+06:00

Azam & Rai's lawyers participated in the nationwide "Long March" for the restoration of the Pakistani judiciary by travelling by road from Lahore to the capital, Islamabad, on 13 June 2008.

The call for the "Long March" was given by the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan, together with all four Provincial High Court Bar Associations and 126 District Bar Associations all over Pakistan, to protest the delay in the reinstatement of almost 60 Supreme Court and High Court judges who were illegally and unconstitutionally deposed by General Pervez Musharraf on 3 November 2007 after the proclamation of emergency rule in Pakistan, which was subsequently lifted but without the reinstatement of the deposed judges.

On the night of 13/14 June 2008, more than 200,000 people, including lawyers and people from all walks of life, peacefully gathered in front of Parliament on Islamabad's Constitution Avenue to demand immediate the restoration of the deposed judiciary.

Azam & Rai drafts first Convertible Debt Agreement for private limited company in Pakistan

2008-06-09T18:42:00.000+06:00

Sector: Corporate Laws
Azam & Rai drafted a Convertible Debt Agreement for Lahore International Medical Centre (Pvt.) Ltd. – the first of its kind for a private limited company in Pakistan.

Ruqia Ismail joins Azam & Rai as an Associate

2008-06-02T17:56:00.000+06:00

Ruqia Ismail joined Azam & Rai as an Associate on 2 June 2008. Prior to joining Azam & Rai, Ms. Ismail worked as an Associate at Rizvi & Rizvi (Advocates, Solicitors & Corporate Consultants), Lahore and Walker Martineau Saleem (Advocates & Legal Consultants), Lahore.

Ms. Ismail received her LL.B. from the Punjab University, Lahore and is enrolled as an Advocate of the Lower Courts with the Punjab Bar Council.

Ms. Ismail has experience and expertise in banking and finance, civil, commercial, corporate and intellectual property laws.

Heroism of Pakistani Lawyers and Judges to be Honoured by the American Bar Association

2008-04-29T14:27:00.000+05:00

The bravery of Pakistani lawyers who faced down baton-wielding police over threats to their country’s constitution, and judges who were fired or quit their posts will be honoured by the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative. The ABA has announced it is giving its annual Rule of Law award to “those lawyers and judges in Pakistan who demonstrated courage in upholding the rule of law in their country.”

The award will be formally made in August 2008 at the ABA Rule of Law luncheon, part of the ABA Annual Meeting in New York City. The honour has previously been bestowed to an array of world leaders and defenders of the rule of law over the ABA's 14-year history, including Vaclav Havel while he was president of the Czech Republic, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justices Anthony Kennedy and Stephen Breyer, and the Committee of Voters of Ukraine.

Representatives from the Pakistani legal and judicial community will be invited to come to New York to accept the award on behalf of the Pakistani lawyers and judges who have championed the rule of law. The luncheon is set for August 9, 2008 at the New York Hilton.

Source: www.abanet.org/media

Azam & Rai conducts due diligence for PKR 950 Million property transaction

2008-03-15T16:36:00.000+05:00

Sector: Land, Property & Real Estate

Azam & Rai has prepared a due diligence report for a major national corporation as a precursor to a property transaction worth an estimated PKR 950 Million in Lahore.

Azam & Rai participates in Seminar on 'Role of Lawyers in Helping Companies Implement Good Corporate Governance and Mediating Corporate Governance'

2008-03-12T13:17:00.001+05:00

Sector: Corporate Regulatory Laws
As part of the Firm's continuing commitment to keep abreast of the latest legal developments, Mr. R.M.S. Azam, Partner, and Ms. Noveera Usman, Associate, participated in a Seminar on 'The Role of Lawyers in Helping Companies Implement Good Corporate Governance and Mediating Corporate Governance Disputes' held under the auspices of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) (World Bank Group) at the Avari Hotel, Lahore on 11 March 2008.

Foreign investors to invest USD $25 billion in Punjab Province, particularly Lahore, in the next 3 years

2008-02-16T16:20:00.000+05:00

Foreign Investment
According to the Department for Trade and Investment, Government of the Punjab, foreign investors are expected to make an investment of USD $25 billion in the Punjab Province in the next 3 years, particularly in and around the provincial capital city of Lahore.

Azam & Rai enters into Corporate Rate Agreement with Islamabad Serena Hotel

2008-02-12T11:20:00.000+05:00

Client Service

Azam & Rai has entered into a Corporate Rate Agreement with the Islamabad Serena Hotel, under which all clients of Azam & Rai can avail 50% discount on Deluxe and Executive Club Rooms and 10% discount on Junior and Presidential Suites at the Hotel. Islamabad Serena Hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Azam & Rai drafts MOU between a Lahore-based multinational multimedia company and a Mumbai-based production house

2008-01-18T15:33:00.000+05:00

Sector: Media & Commercial Laws

Azam & Rai drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between a Lahore-based multinational multimedia company and a Mumbai-based production house as a precursor to a strategic collaboration agreement for television production services.

Azam & Rai drafts Project Cost and Market Study Services Agreement between Lahore International Medical Centre (Pvt.) Ltd. and SKP Consulting Ltd.

2008-01-01T18:37:00.000+05:00

Sector: Projects
Azam & Rai drafted a ‘Project Cost and Market Study Services Agreement’ between Lahore International Medical Centre (Pvt.) Ltd. and SKP Consulting Ltd., a project consultancy firm, as a prelude to the launch of a project for the construction of a 300-bed general hospital in Lahore.

Azam & Rai again recommended by the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 as one of the leading law firms in Banking & Finance & Corporate/M&A

2008-01-01T13:27:00.000+05:00

For the third consecutive year, Azam & Rai has been recommended by the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 (2007-2008 Edition) as one of the leading law firms in Pakistan in the areas of Banking & Finance and Corporate/M&A.

Azam & Rai is, once again, ranked amongst the top 30 law firms in the Banking & Finance sector and amongst the top 20 law firms in the Corporate/M&A sector in Pakistan. In its commentary, the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 (2006-2007 Edition) states:

"Rai Muhammad Saleh Azam and Maliha Sarda Azam are the two leading partners at dynamic boutique, Azam & Rai. With five lawyers in total, the firm is regularly punching above its weight, having advised several domestic and international clients on a number of matters spanning corporate and commercial, international trade law (with a specific focus on anti-dumping cases), IT and IP. The firm advised on a [PKR] 60 [million] production agreement between a television production company and an international telecoms company."

Azam & Rai incorporates DEFTIJA (Pvt.) Ltd. on behalf of domestic investors

2007-12-18T16:33:00.000+05:00

Sector: Investment, Corporate & Defence Laws
Azam & Rai incorporated DEFTIJA (Pvt.) Ltd., a limited liability company, on behalf of domestic investors. The Company has been established with a view to acting as agents for foreign and local companies wishing to provide goods, services, equipment and technologies to the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the Ministry of Defence, Government of Pakistan.

Pakistan's Chief Justice to receive Harvard Law School 'Medal of Freedom'

2007-11-13T14:45:00.000+05:00

Following last week's military crackdown in Pakistan and the detention of hundreds of lawyers, the Harvard Law School Association has decided to award Pakistani Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry its highest honor: The Harvard Law School Medal of Freedom. Chaudhry was detained after he convened the Pakistani Supreme Court to declare the current state of emergency imposed by General Pervez Musharraf to be null and void.

Although Chaudhry has been placed under house arrest and is not free to leave Pakistan, Dean Elena Kagan has reached out to the chief justice regarding the award and hopes that he'll be able to come to the Law School to receive it when the state of emergency is lifted.

"As lawyers who value freedom and the rule of law, we at Harvard Law School want Chief Justice Chaudhry and all of the courageous lawyers in Pakistan to know that we stand with them in solidarity," said Kagan. "We are proud to be their colleagues in the cause of justice, and we will do all we can to press for the prompt restoration of constitutionalism and legality in Pakistan."
Hundreds of lawyers and other critics of Musharraf have been detained since the emergency rule was established more than a week ago.

To raise awareness and further promote discussion about the events in Pakistan, the Harvard South Asia Initiative will be hosting campus-wide events on Friday, November 16.

The Medal of Freedom was established by Harvard Law School to honor the achievements of individuals who have worked to uphold the legal system’s fundamental commitment to freedom, justice, and equality. To symbolize this commitment, the award bears the image of Charles Hamilton Houston, whose leadership of the crusade that culminated in the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education exemplifies the highest ideals of our democracy. Past recipients of the Medal of Freedom include the members of the Brown v. Board of Education litigation team and former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Courtesy: http://www.law.harvard.edu/news/2007/11/13_pakistan.php

Azam & Rai engaged to defend client against criminal prosecution under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002

2007-09-07T12:58:00.000+05:00

Sector: Information Technology & Criminal Laws

Azam & Rai has been engaged by a software engineer to defend her against criminal prosecution arising from a legal action brought against her and her co-employees by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002 on the complaint of their former employer, a software house, for the alleged unauthorized access and transfer of electronic files, which she denies. This is the first prosecution of its kind in Pakistan under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002.

Azam & Rai drafts Agreement for supply of public transport vehicles to a Provincial Government worth PKR 150 Million

2007-09-01T11:20:00.002+05:00

Sector: Commercial Law
Azam & Rai drafted an Agreement for a sale transaction worth PKR 150 Million for the sale of public transport vehicles to a Provincial Government.

Azam & Rai incorporates Lahore International Medical Centre (Pvt.) Ltd. on behalf of overseas Pakistani investors

2007-08-23T12:30:00.000+05:00

Sector: Investment, Corporate & Healthcare Laws

Azam & Rai incorporated the Lahore International Medical Centre (Pvt.) Ltd., a limited liability company, on behalf of overseas Pakistani investors based in Saudi Arabia. The Company is to set up a state-of-the-art multi-million dollar hospital and medical centre, known as "Lahore IMC", in Lahore - Pakistan's second largest city, that would not only cater to Pakistan’s healthcare market but also attract “medical tourists” from abroad. Lahore IMC is to introduce a new system of "health management" services that would revolutionize the healthcare sector in Pakistan. Prior to incorporation, Azam & Rai advised the foreign and overseas Pakistani investors on the legal and regulatory aspects of investment in the healthcare sector in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai Partner participates in Roundtable Seminar on 'Corporate Governance Practices in Pakistan'

2007-07-24T22:47:00.000+05:00

Sector: Corporate Regulatory Laws
As part of the Firm's continuing commitment to keep abreast of the latest legal developments, Mr. R.M.S. Azam, Partner, participated in a Roundtable Seminar convened to discuss the IFC-sponsored ‘Survey on Corporate Governance Practices in Pakistan’ held under the joint auspices of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) (World Bank Group), the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) at the Royal Palm Golf & Country Club, Lahore on 24 July 2007.

Azam & Rai Partner appointed Joint Director, Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan

2007-07-02T15:52:00.000+05:00

Azam & Rai Partner, Maliha S. Azam, has been appointed Joint Director, Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Islamabad and will be proceeding on leave from the Firm with effect from 1 August 2007.

Azam & Rai briefs Swedish Trade Council on Investment Procedures for Foreign Investors in Pakistan

2007-06-21T17:26:00.000+05:00

Sector: Investment Laws
Azam & Rai briefed a Deputy Trade Commissioner of the Swedish Trade Council on Investment Procedures for Foreign Investors in Pakistan with a view to encouraging and facilitating Swedish business investments in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai advises television production house on Insurance Guarantee

2007-06-11T21:06:00.000+05:00

Sector: Insurance Law

Azam & Rai advised a television production house on securing its interests under an Insurance Guarantee to cover a television commercial production agreement for the production of television commercials for its client, a multinational telecommunications company.

Azam & Rai engaged as External Counsel by the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan

2007-06-07T13:44:00.000+05:00

Sector: Corporate Regulatory Laws

Azam & Rai has been engaged by the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) as External Counsel to conduct cases for and on behalf of the SECP.

Azam & Rai advises foreign and overseas Pakistani investors on investment in the healthcare sector in Pakistan

2007-06-05T23:06:00.001+05:00

Sector: Investment & Corporate Laws

Azam & Rai has advised foreign and overseas Pakistani investors on the legal and regulatory aspects of investment in the healthcare sector in Pakistan, particularly with regard to setting up of a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art hospital in Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city, that would not only cater to Pakistan’s healthcare market but also attract “medical tourists” from abroad.

Azam & Rai drafts Sale-Purchase Agreement for timber transaction worth PKR 60 Million

2007-05-29T21:06:00.000+05:00

Sector: Commercial Law

Azam & Rai drafted a Sale-Purchase Agreement for the sale, purchase and delivery of 400,000 cubic feet of timber in a transaction worth PKR 60 Million.

Azam & Rai engaged by Canadian law firm Barnes Sammon LLP, Barristers & Solicitors

2007-05-28T20:36:00.000+05:00

Sector: Private International Law

Azam & Rai has been engaged by Canadian law firm Barnes Sammon LLP, Barristers & Solicitors for effecting the service of judicial documents of the Superior Court of Quebec on a defendant residing in Pakistan under the 1965 Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Azam & Rai appointed Standing Counsel to Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Ltd.

2007-05-26T21:54:00.001+05:00

Sector: Banking Law & Finance

Azam & Rai has been appointed on the panel of law firms acting as standing counsel to Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Ltd. The Legal Services Agreement was signed in Lahore today.

Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Ltd. is the fourth bank to engage Azam & Rai for the provision of legal services. Azam & Rai is already providing legal services in the practice area of banking law and finance to MCB Bank Ltd., Askari Commercial Bank Ltd. and Saudi Pak Commercial Bank Ltd.

Azam & Rai Partner delivers lecture on ‘The Constitutional & Judicial History of Pakistan (1947-2007) at NUCES, Lahore

2007-05-25T14:33:00.000+05:00

Sector: Constitutional Law

Mr. R.M.S. Azam, Partner, delivered a lecture as Guest Speaker on ‘The Constitutional & Judicial History of Pakistan (1947-2007)’ at the National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES), Lahore on 25 May 2007.

Azam & Rai drafts Television Commercial Production Agreement for transaction worth PKR 60 Million

2007-05-18T16:53:00.000+05:00

Sector: Media & Commercial Laws

Azam & Rai drafted a Television Commercial Production Agreement between a television production house and a multinational telecommunications company for a transaction worth PKR 60 Million. The agreement entails the production of a series of television commercials for the multinational telecom company.

Azam & Rai engaged by leading software developer to advise it on development of law firm management software

2007-04-30T21:36:00.000+05:00

Sector: IT & Commercial Laws

Azam & Rai was exclusively engaged by a leading software developer to advise it on the development of law firm management software tailored for the Pakistani and South Asian market – a first for Pakistan and South Asia.

Azam & Rai Partner participates in conference on ‘International Negotiations: Processes & Dimensions’

2007-02-11T14:24:00.000+05:00

Sector: Skills Training

As part of the Firm's continuing commitment to keep abreast of the latest legal developments, Mr. R.M.S. Azam, Partner, participated in a conference on ‘International Negotiations: Processes & Dimensions’ held under the auspices of the Department of Political Science, Forman Christian College, Lahore and the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis, Vienna, Austria at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore on 11 February 2007.

Azam & Rai again recommended by the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 as one of the leading law firms in Banking & Finance & Corporate/M&A

2007-01-01T16:44:00.000+05:00

For the second consecutive year, Azam & Rai has been recommended by the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 (2006-2007 Edition) as one of the leading law firms in Pakistan in the areas of Banking & Finance and Corporate/M&A.

Azam & Rai is ranked amongst the top 30 law firms in the Banking & Finance sector in Pakistan. In its commentary, the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 (2006-2007 Edition) states:

"Azam & Rai is a Lahore-based, full-service, general-practice firm, and typifies the young, energetic players now entering Pakistan's legal market. It acts as standing counsel to several banks including MCB Bank, Askari Commercial Bank and Saudi Pak Commercial Bank. Rai Muhammad Saleh Azam gained wide experience while head of Walker Martineau Saleem's banking court litigation group before co-founding the firm."

Azam & Rai is ranked amongst the top 20 law firms in the Corporate/M&A sector in Pakistan. In its commentary, the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 (2006-2007 Edition) states:

"Azam & Rai has a broad commercial practice. Recent instructions include the incorporation of a Pakistan subsidiary for Swedish multinational conglomerate Terraco Group, and cross-border acquisitions for a Dubai-based company."

Azam & Rai Partner participates in lecture on ‘Amendments to the Pakistani Constitution: The Law and the Politics’

2006-11-17T14:28:00.000+05:00

Sector: Constitutional Law

As part of the Firm's continuing commitment to keep abreast of the latest legal developments, Mr. R.M.S. Azam, Partner, participated in a lecture on ‘Amendments to the Pakistani Constitution: The Law and the Politics’ by Abid Hasan Minto, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan, held under the auspices of the Distinguished Lecturer Series by the Department of Law & Policy, Lahore University of Managements Sciences, Lahore on 17 November 2006.

Azam & Rai engaged by Pakistan-based software development company in its dispute with US software company

2006-06-30T21:50:00.000+05:00

Sector: International Arbitration, IT & Commercial Laws

Azam & Rai was engaged by a Pakistan-based software development company in its dispute with a US software company arising out of source code delivery and payment issues under a software development agreement and a separate escrow agreement. The dispute was complicated by the fact that the software development agreement gave exclusive jurisdiction to the courts of law in St. Louis, Missouri, USA whereas the related escrow agreement, which relied heavily on the software development agreement, provided for resolution of all disputes through arbitration under the American Arbitration Association's Commercial Arbitration Rules.

Azam & Rai engaged by partnership firm to challenge fraudulent mortgage of its immovable property in favour of bank in the Lahore High Court

2006-05-31T16:54:00.001+05:00

Sector: Litigation, Banking & Property Laws

Azam & Rai was engaged by a local partnership firm to challenge the fraudulent mortgage of its highly valuable immovable industrial property by a limited liability company in favour of a major local bank in recovery proceedings initiated by the bank before the Lahore High Court under the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Ordinance, 2001.

Azam & Rai engaged by US-based foreign investors for incorporation of company in Pakistan

2006-05-31T16:51:00.001+05:00

Sector: Investment & Corporate Laws

Azam & Rai was engaged by foreign investors based in the United States for the incorporation of a company in Lahore, which would provide innovative state-of-the-art finishing products and services to the construction industry in Pakistan.

Azam & Rai engaged by Dubai-based multinational company in cross-border acquisitions

2006-05-31T16:43:00.001+05:00

Sector: Cross-Border Acquisitions

Azam & Rai was engaged by a Dubai-based multinational company (engaged in the manufacture and supply of finishing materials for the construction and building industry worldwide) for the acquisition of two distribution companies in Romania and Bulgaria respectively. Azam & Rai drafted the agreements that gave effect to these cross-border transactions.

Azam & Rai Partner invited to read paper on "Export of Legal Services from Pakistan" at the UNCTAD/WTO-sponsored National Services Workshop, Karachi

2006-05-27T17:00:00.001+05:00

Sector: International Trade Law - Export of Services

As part of the Firm's continuing commitment to keep abreast of the latest legal developments, Mr. R.M.S. Azam, Partner, participated in the National Services Workshop on “Export of Services” in context of WTO/GATS held under the auspices of the International Trade Centre (UNCTAD/WTO) as part of the European Commission-funded Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) Programme in Pakistan in conjunction with the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi from 26-27 May 2006. At the Workshop, Mr. Azam read a paper titled “Export of Legal Services from Pakistan: Challenges & Opportunities.” His recommendations on ways and means to improve and increase the exports of legal services from Pakistan are being adopted in a report being prepared by the International Trade Centre for the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan.

Azam & Rai engaged by China's New Zhong Yuan Ceramics Import & Export Co. Ltd. of Guangdong in Anti-Dumping case

2006-04-29T16:38:00.000+05:00

Sector: International Trade Law - Anti-Dumping

Under instructions from Guangdong Grand Leeson Law Firm – a major Chinese law firm based in Foshan, China – Azam & Rai represented New Zhong Yuan Ceramics Import & Export Co. Ltd. of Guangdong, China before Pakistan’s National Tariff Commission (NTC) in response to a Notice issued to Chinese manufacturers and exporters of ceramic tiles by the NTC under the Anti-Dumping Ordinance, 2000 for the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation against alleged dumping of ceramic tiles into Pakistan originating in and/or exported from China. Azam & Rai is the first law firm in Pakistan to be engaged by Chinese manufacturers/exporters to contest possible anti-dumping duties imposed by the Government of Pakistan under the WTO regime. This Investigation has been challenged and the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court has granted a stay of the investigation proceedings.

Azam & Rai engaged by Sweden's Terraco Group for the establishment of their subsidiary company in Pakistan

2006-03-31T15:45:00.000+05:00

Sector: Investment & Corporate Laws

Azam & Rai was engaged by Terraco Group, a major Swedish-owned construction and chemical and finishing materials manufacturing conglomerate – for the incorporation of its subsidiary company - Terraco Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. - and registration of its trademarks in Pakistan. The Terraco Group comprises of 32 companies, 15 factories and over 700 employees worldwide.

Azam & Rai instructed by Turkey-based law firm on behalf of its Chinese client for recovery of a debt from a Pakistan-based defaulter

2006-02-28T15:30:00.000+05:00

Sector: International Trade Law & Cross-Border Debt Recovery

Azam & Rai was instructed by an international law firm based in Istanbul, Turkey – to initiate recovery proceedings against a defaulter based in Karachi, Pakistan for the recovery of US $420,000 outstanding in a trade dispute on behalf of their client, a major Chinese export development corporation based in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.

Azam & Rai instructed by Edwards Duthie Solicitors (UK) for service of judicial summons

2006-02-28T15:02:00.000+05:00

Sector: Private International Law

Azam & Rai was instructed by Edwards Duthie Solicitors (UK) on behalf of their UK-based client for effecting the service of a summons of a UK County Court on a defendant residing in Pakistan under the 1965 Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Azam & Rai advises China's Guangdong Grand Leeson Law Firm on Pakistan's anti-dumping investigation procedures

2006-02-28T14:52:00.000+05:00

Sector: International Trade Law - Anti-Dumping

Azam & Rai represented and advised Guangdong Grand Leeson Law Firm – a major Chinese law firm based in Foshan, China – on the anti-dumping investigation procedure under the laws of Pakistan in response to a Notice issued to Chinese manufacturers and exporters of ceramic tiles by the National Tariff Commission of Pakistan under the Anti-Dumping Ordinance, 2000 for the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation against alleged dumping of ceramic tiles into Pakistan originating in and/or exported from China. Azam & Rai is the first law firm in Pakistan to be engaged by Chinese manufacturers/exporters to contest possible anti-dumping duties imposed by the Government of Pakistan under the WTO regime.

Azam & Rai selected as legal consultant by Advanced Logistics Group (ALG) of Spain

2006-02-28T14:27:00.000+05:00

Sector: Commercial Law - BOT Contracts

Azam & Rai was selected as legal consultant by Advanced Logistics Group (Consultores Transporte Logistica) (ALG) – an independent professional services company based in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain – in a bid submitted to the National Highway Authority, Ministry of Communications, Government of Pakistan to provide consultancy services for an Asian Development Bank-funded highway construction project in Pakistan on BOT-basis under the Public-Private Partnership Initiative for National Highway Development.

Azam & Rai appointed Standing Counsel to Askari Commercial Bank Ltd.

2006-02-23T14:41:00.000+05:00

Sector: Banking Law & Finance

Azam & Rai’s banking and finance practice was bolstered by its appointment on the panel of law firms acting as standing counsel to Askari Commercial Bank Limited – one of Pakistan’s largest banks and financial service providers.

Azam & Rai engaged by major Chinese law firm for advice on the Anti-Dumping Laws of Pakistan

2006-01-31T14:25:00.000+05:00

Sector: International Trade Law - Anti-Dumping

Azam & Rai was engaged by a major Chinese law firm to advise it on the anti-dumping laws of Pakistan as a precursor to the possible imposition of anti-dumping duties by the Government of Pakistan on Chinese manufacturers - thereby becoming the first law firm in Pakistan to be engaged by Chinese manufacturers to contest possible anti-dumping duties in Pakistan under the new WTO regime.