Pakistan

At the intersection of time-honoured tradition and modern legal solutions, Hafeez Pirzada Law Associates (HPLA) and Farooq, Khan & Mirza (FKM), two names synonymous with excellence and distinction in Pakistan’s legal field, have merged to create a powerhouse: HP | FKM - Hafeez Pirzada | Farooq, Khan & Mirza - Corporate Counsel | Barristers | Advocates. With deep roots in the country’s legal history, the duo unite decades of experience in legal practice, blending an unparalleled legacy with cutting-edge expertise. HPLA was founded by the late Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, BSc. LLD, Barrister and Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, in 1959. A towering figure in Pakistan’s legal and political history, Pirzada played a critical role in the drafting of Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution and in shaping the country’s legal framework. FKM, founded in 2009, brought together a fresh, innovative approach to legal services. Established by Barristers Omer Farooq and Babbar A. Khan, FKM quickly distinguished itself as a trailblazer in corporate law, commercial law, arbitration, and construction law. Both Farooq and Khan, known for their meticulous attention to detail and strategic acumen, built a reputation for providing pragmatic, solution-oriented advice to clients navigating the complexities of modern business and governance.   Commenting on the merger, Abdul Sattar Pirzada, Founding Partner, stated: ‘The merger allows us to scale our capabilities and diversify our practice areas. Where one firm brings a legacy of expertise in litigation, the other brings profound transactional experience’. Announcing the move, Omer Farooq, Founding Partner, stated: ‘This merger represents a pivotal step in the firm’s revolution. The merger positions us for long-term growth and resilience in a competitive legal market. Our clients will benefit from expanded services and a broader perspective - without sacrificing the efficiency and responsiveness they expect from us’. Babbar Ali Khan, Founding Partner, added: ‘There was no question about it. Hafeez Pirzada Law Associates shares our vision for delivering exceptional services and expanding support for our global clientele. We are proud to join forces with a firm whose values so closely mirror our own’. ‘Joining with Farooq, Khan & Mirza, a firm that values integrity, collaboration and services as deeply as we do, we envision that the combination shall lead to providing our clients with a wide range of services leading to us becoming the go-to firm for all their legal issues’ remarked Qazi Umair Ali, Founding Partner. Mamoon N. Chaudhry, Founding Partner views the merger as ‘a combination of legacy and innovation - integrating cutting-edge technologies, forward-thinking leadership, and a culture that embraces change’. The merger of HPLA and FKM represents a convergence of two distinguished legacies: one rooted in the foundational legal history of Pakistan and the other built upon the modern-day demands of global commerce. HPLA’s enduring strength in constitutional law, litigation, and public service is complemented by FKM’s innovative approach to corporate law, construction law and arbitration. This unique combination of legal disciplines empowers the firm to provide a full spectrum of legal solutions, from landmark constitutional cases to complex commercial transactions.

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA) as it is more commonly known was Pakistan’s first attempt at curbing electronic crimes and cyber-crimes. The also contains provisions on data protection. Predominantly the PECA provides for criminal penalties for anyone found guilty of indulging in cyber-crimes.  In the past 5 years Pakistan has seen a surge in the use of social media platforms specially by the younger generation. It was inevitable that this use of social media would sooner rather than later be used for political reasons. Change in the government has seen a strong desire and infact also the implementation of a crackdown by the new government and security agencies in Pakistan on the abuse of social media. This crackdown has bene so strong that it has bordered on the banning of free speech. Banning of X in Pakistan, Meta being down, VPN use being restricted and generally social media being painted as negative tool are some of the effects of this crackdown. The Government and the security agencies in Pakistan has also repeatedly accused the wrongful use of social media platforms for being he reason for the spreading of fake and defamatory news. To further regulate the use of social media changes have now been made to the PECA. These changes which have been made into law by the passage of the Prevention of electronic Crimes Amendment Act 2025 have provided for more severe punishments for anyone found guilty of spreading fake news via the use of electronic means and by using a social media platform. For the first time the Government has created a social media protection and regulatory authority. This authority shall have the power to block any content or bring action against any social media platform which is found guilty of spreading news which causes religious or political resentment in Pakistan. A national cyber crimes investigations agency has also been established under the Act which is tasked with investigations pertaining to spreading of news causing political and religious unrest by the use of information systems. This agency has vast powers including the power to enter into a premises and seize information system(s), data, hard drive which may have been involved in the mis use of  electronic means. The promulgation of this law is unlike routine legislation which is enacted for the protections of rights of citizens. This law has been specifically drafted to counter unrest which the Government and the security agencies have been facing by the misuse of social media particularly by the younger generation and professionals well versed in the use of software and malware. Because this law has the backing of the Government and security agencies in Pakistan hence it can be stated that with certainty that the same will be enforced unequivocally. Workplaces which have not clearly provided for policies around the misuse of social media and electronic systems specifically with regard to the PECA and its changes  can become victims to an act of search and seizure by the national cyber crimes investigations agency.  Since the PECA is a law which entails criminal liability thus in such instances it may also be the case that the employer who is deemed to be the owner of the workplace from where the misuse of the electronic system originated be held personally liable. Clearly defined internet usage policies should be made as part of the employment contract. undertakings and indemnities need to be signed  need to be signed by the employees at the time of their employment which provide that they have been given detailed trainings on the use of office electronic equipment particularly on the use of the internet which is to be used for office use only  and that they shall not mis use any office equipment provided to them for their work and that they shall indemnify their employer in case any action is brought against the workplace as a result of their misuse of an electronic system. Blocking certain online sites within the office which are not required for office work would also be a good idea. In conclusion this may be one of the areas for regulations which is being ignored by companies working in Pakistan. Regulating the use of the internet at the workplace by way of clear policies and training and clearly separating the liability of the employer is important and companies should be doing this.   About the Author Mr. Yousaf Amanat is ranked for employment law and data protection by Legal 500, Chambers and Partners and GDR 100. www.yaa.com.pk  

The Firm recently advised he online DSP advertising platform. Quanticast combines cutting edge machine learning with human intellect to come up with unique online advertising solutions. Most Fortune 500 companies utilize Quanticast. In November 2024 the Firm was contacted by Dentons UK to advise Quanticast on its online marketing campaign of which Pakistan was also destined to be a part. The advise focused on the law surrounding data protection and advertising in Pakistan. Particularly with regard to data protection the advise also encompassed the role of GDPR-UK in the context of Pakistan’s data protection laws. The advise also included drafting of documents on permission for use of data by the end user.  

The Firm has been engaged by Chine Three Gorges Corporation to advise its hydel power project in Pakistan. The advise focuses on matters of labour law including advising the corporation on how best to handle its disputes being adjudicated by the office of the ombudsperson for disputes of the World Bank. The Firm has been chosen by the corporation based on its experience of handling projects by World Bank particularly in he field of Labour Law. The Firm will also be advising the corporation on Unions, workplace disputes and working conditions.