ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES - LLP | Investment Law Services - Pakistan

Investment Law Services

Investment law is the field of international law that governs relationships between states and foreign investors, the system of international investment law has no central treaty or institution, this field of law comprises thousands of investment treaties and preferential trade agreements, and are supplemented by an unknown number of investment contracts between governments and foreign investors, as well as domestic investment legislation.

Pakistan is a land of many splendours and opportunities, repository of a unique blend of history and culture of the east and the west, and is the cradle of one of the oldest civilisation. It is a populous country with 130 million tough, conscientious and hardworking people. It is strategically located at the cross roads of the Gulf States, Central Asia and South-Asia and share borders with China, Iran, Afghanistan and India and while the Arabian Sea to the South offers a vast coastline for maritime trade.

The geographical location has thus made possible the foreign and domestic investment very auspicious to this country, transfer of technology from abroad and shifting of indigenously produced technology overseas. Priority industrial sectors in Pakistan are Value added Agro Industries, Supporting Industries, Information Technology and related services, Corporate Farming, Resource based Industries, Light Industries, Infrastructure and related services and Tourism Development.

TYPE OF INDUSTRY

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Value-added Agro Industries

  • Fruits & Vegetables

  • Livestock & Dairy

  • Fisheries

  • Horticulture

Supporting Industries

  • Textiles

  • Garments

  • Automotive

  • Electrical & Electronics

Information Technology and Related Services

A wide range of activities from software to telecommunication services

Corporate Farming

Modern farming to develop Pakistan's agricultural sector

Resource-based Industries

  • Oil & Gas

  • Petrochemicals

  • Chemicals

  • Other Minerals

Light Industries

  • Surgical Instruments

  • Bicycles

  • Electrical Appliances (Fans)

  • Bus Body-Building

  • Gems & Jewelry

  • Leather and Leather Products

Infrastructure and Related Services

  • Hydro Electric Power Generation

  • Roads (Highways, Motorways)

  • Railways

  • Ports and Port Handling Activities

  • Gas and Oil Pipelines

  • Urban Mass Transit

  • Storage Facilities for Agricultural Produce

  • Cool Chains (For Agro Business)

A Base for the Emerging Markets of the Central Asian Republics

Pakistan provides an ideal base for exploring and supplying the growing markets of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, not to mention other neighbouring countries.

Table: Investment Opportunities

To make Pakistan a safe and profitable haven for both local and foreign investors who wish to explore and optimise the potential of inexpensive labour force, real estate and vast consumer market, the government has offered many attractive packages of incentives and ZA–LLP is endeavouring its best to invite the prospective investors to facilitate them to take the maximum benefit. In order to do so we render wide range of services as Management and Investment Consultants in large number of fields to provide a greater choice to the domestic and foreign investors. The investors who want to make study for unforeseen problems may contact us for our reports on any project of their choice.

Why Invest in Pakistan

Pakistan, the cradle of one of the world's oldest civilisations, is a land of many splendors, from the highest peaks of Himalayas through the green valleys of Indus to the Arabian Sea. Pakistan is the 9th most populous country of the world with 140 million people. Flanked by Iran and land-locked Afghanistan in the West and the Central Asian Republics and China in the North, with proximity to the affluent Middle East, Pakistan offers a vast market of over 200 million consumers. Pakistan with its warm water ports and railway networks offer shortest route to supply goods and services to the Central Asian Republics.

FEATURES

INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Abundant Land and Natural Resources

  • Extensive Agricultural Land

  • Crop Production (Wheat, Cotton, Rice, Fruit and Vegetables)

  • Mineral Reserves (Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Copper, Iron Ore, Gypsum, etc.)

  • Fisheries and Livestock Production

Strong Human Resources

  • English Speaking Workforce

  • 36 Million Labour Force, Adaptable, Well Motivated and Disciplined

  • Highly Skilled Labour, Available at an Average Monthly Salary of US$ 150

  • Large Corps of Experienced Managers, Engineers, Computer Professionals, Scientists, Bankers and Financiers

Large and Growing Domestic Markets

  • 146 Million Consumers with Growing Incomes

  • A Growing Middle-Class Moving to Sophisticated Consumption Habits

Well Established Infrastructure and Legal Systems

  • Comprehensive Road, Rail and Sea Links

  • Direct Air Links with more than 50 countries

  • Extra Qualitative Telecommunication and IT Services

  • Modern Corporate Law

  • Long Standing Corporate Culture

Strategic Location as a Regional Hub

  • Principal Gateway to the Central Asia Republics

  • Highly Developed Ports with Containers and Specialised Terminals

  • Strong and Long-standing Links with the Middle East and South Asia

  • Comprehensive Duty-free Facilities for Investors

Deregulation

  • Abolition of Government Approvals for Investment

  • Removal of Foreign Exchange Controls

  • Foreign Investors allowed to hold 100% Equity in Local Companies

  • No Restrictions on Royalty and Technical Fee Payments by Local Companies

  • Full Repatriation of Capital, Capital Gains and Dividends allowed

Trade Liberalisation

  • Completely Deregulated, Liberalized Economy based on Market Forces

  • Import and Export Trade allowed to Foreign Companies registered in Pakistan

  • Macro Economic Structural Adjustment Program Successfully Under Way

  • Inflation is within Single Digits

  • Declining Tariff Rates on Imports, creating an almost Free Trade Regime

  • Foreigners have Free Access to Pakistani Capital Markets

Tax Reforms

  • A tax credit equivalent to 10% of the amount so invested for the purpose of balancing, modernisation and replacement of the plant and machinery, already installed in an industrial undertaking.

  • There is also a further tax credit for a Company, an industrial undertaking established before the first day of July, 2011 till 30th June, 2016.

  • Where a Company opts for enlistment in any registered Stock Exchange in Pakistan, a tax credit equal to 15% shall be allowed.

  • Tax credit equivalent to 100% of tax payable to an industrial undertaking shall be allowed, for a period of five years if it establishes itself between the first day of July, 2011 and 30th day of June 2016.

  • 10% tax credit shall be allowed to a person registered under the Sales Tax Act, 1990, if ninety percent his sales made to a registered person.

  • Income from the export of computer software and IT services is exempt up to June 30, 2016.

Capital Market Reforms

  • Three-Year Extension on Capital Gains Tax Exemption through Capital Markets Reform Package

  • Removal of Turnover Tax on Mutual Funds and Bonus Issues

  • Permission for Provident Funds to Invest up to 20% of Total Assets in Equity

Table: Investment Highlights


Our Core Competencies

1

Collaborative Skillset

Collaborative lawyers trust the wisdom of the group; lone wolves and isolationists do not do any good anymore.

2

Emotional Intelligence

Distant, detached lawyers are relics of the 20th century, the market no longer wants a lawyer who is only half a person.

3

Technological Affinity

If you can not effectively and efficiently use e-communications, and mobile tech, you might as well just stay home.

4

Time Management

Virtually a substantial part of lawyers difficulties in this regard lie with their inability to prioritise their time.


What People Say About Us

  • Thank you for your email and the final draft. Indeed it is one of the finest drafts I have come across with. Certainly, your commitment level, eagerness to resolve, intellectual strength, attention to detail and legal expertise are commendable. Under your admirable guidance and direction, I have been able to maneuver with immense success and will reach fruition much earlier than anticipated. Thank you for being so supportive!

    Yaser Shan ~ Toronto, Canada
  • Thank you again so much for this wonderful service. I just wanted you both to know, I spent weeks searching for a service in Pakistan like this, that could legally handle payroll for a Pakistani employee for a US based business and so far I am extremely happy with your organization's service and punctuality. Your service thus far is absolutely amazing and I know Sunita is grateful that we were able to find your organization to ensure her position at our company.

    Prince E. Rich IV | CEO ~ Rich Technology Group LLC, USA
  • We are very happy with the work you have done. Its highly appreciated the professionalism and deep research by the team. Accept our deep gratitude! I do not know how to say Thank you to you and your team! It's a masterpiece you have created and we are very thankful for your help to assist in our social cause.

    Imtiaz Makhani ~ Karachi, Pakistan
  • Thank you very much for your fantastic support, which has been absolutely invaluable throughout the process. We really enjoyed working with you and look forward to plenty more opportunities for shared projects into the future.

    Dr. Albrecht Muser | KPMG ~ München, Germany
  • Working with all of you over the last years has been a pleasure and an honour! Your expertise, focus on customer service and professionalism make it possible for us to provide superior services to our clients and I am so grateful to you.

    Maude Burger-Smith ~ Cape Town, South Africa
  • We are glad to inform you the receipt of current outstanding balance in our bank account from the disputed party. Therefore we request you to arrange to close the dispute case with them as per our management decision. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support and advice to solve this matter. It was pleasure working with you all.

    Rahul Meppad ~ Dubai, UAE
  • Thank you for your support in this process and for your great hospitality. Your assistance has been of great importance. It was also important to see and experience the high quality of your services and your well known firm.

    Magnus Greko ~ Sweden
  • Thank you for your support in this process. Your assistance has been invaluable. We are looking forward to a long lasting working relationship with you. Also, thank you for hospitality during these past days.

    Lothar Geilen ~ Germany
  • Dear Atty. Iram Fatima: I would like to let you know that my wife came in USA last week. The U.S. Embassy Islamabad approved her visa petition in the lights of all the wonderful endeavors done by you and Mr. Birach. It was a long legal battle of about 7 years. I must say that your law firm is one of the best in the country and you are a highly professional advocate. Dr. Zafar should feel proud to have you in his crew. Finally, again I would say Thanks for all your legal services and I am your best reference.

    Zubair Mufti ~ Texas, USA
  • Dear Dr Zafar and Iram: Thank you very much for timely submission of the excellent opinion letter. It is very well drafted and covers the key points. We very much appreciate your excellent and timely work in preparing the legal opinion.

    Mrs. Iqbal Farrukh ~ San Francisco, USA
  • Dear Attorney Iram Fatima: Thanks so much for all of your kind efforts in this area and I must admit that your legal firm is the best in the country.

    Zubair Mufti ~ Texas, USA
  • The efficiency and effectiveness of your services are much appreciated.

    James Alexander Linton Williams ~ UK
  • We are complately satisfied with the e-communication and provided services. We would like to thank the whole team, and Ms Iram Fatima in particular, for your professionalism and the Due Diligence you carried out.

    Elena Pavlova ~ France
  • Many thanks for this, and thank you for being so prompt. It is very appreciated.

    Alex Gilchrist ~ Somerset, UK
  • Thank you again for handling my case so well, I am honoured to be represented by you.

    Yolanda Slabbert ~ Port Elizabeth, South Africa
  • Thank you very much for your great attention to my case, I see that you're a very serious company and I'm happy that I've choose you.

    Sergio Lujan ~ Bogota, Colombia
  • I really appreciate the help and support provided by Zafar and Associates to our company. I don’t know what to say or how to thank you, but to tell the truth your services are really the best legal services we have ever received. You are truly a professional and effective law firm.

    Adnan Branbo ~ Dubai, UAE
  • Thank you very much for your contribution. We will review the information and incorporate it into the International Citation Manual of Washington University Global Studies Law Review. Your help is appreciated.

    Naomi Levin ~ Washington, USA
  • I wanted to let you know that i got the documents. And i wanted to thank you and the whole team who worked on my case. You all did a good job thanks again.

    Naima Ashraf ~ The Hague, Holland
  • Thank you very much for all the work you have done to ensure that the Death in Service benefit reaches the parents of the deceased. Are they expecting this money and do they understand where it is coming from? We appreciate your assistance and excellent work.

    Susan Bauer ~ London, UK
  • I have no words to express my gratitude to you. People like you are very rare and I have the privilege to know one of those. May God shower all blessings on to you and your family. I am a small man with only prayers on my lips.

    Dr. Haridev Bhargava ~ Saratoga, USA
  • I must say your handling of this matter has been totally sterling and I shall not have any hesitation in recommending you and your firm to others.

    Rosina Ahmad ~ UK
  • Good morning, I received the documents back yesterday afternoon. Thank you so much for your quick response to the job. We really appreciate it. Looking forward to working with you in the further.

    Mrs. Jan Malcolm ~ Auckland, New Zealand
  • Thank you very much for the case. It is just brilliant! I am so grateful that you went out of your way to help me.”

    Loraine Bhan ~ Suva, Fiji
  • I do appreciate highly the sense of commitment your office wishes to dedicate to the follow up of our question for information. I have transmitted the contents of your email IMMEDIATELY to the contact, together with confirmation of the highest esteem we attribute to the quality of the services rendered by ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES.

    Paul Wouters ~ Istanbul, Turkey
  • Thank you very much for the information and good news. I know you’ve been working too hard and I appreciate every single minute working with you all. It’s an experience to be in the team of hardworking people and I am very proud to be included.

    Evangeline Williams ~ Paphos, Cyprus
  • I would like to thank you for your swift and excellent service that your office recently provided us. I would definitely forward your contact information to my friends and family in reference to seeking legal matters in Pakistan. I would also inform Sean Hogan and his associates to pass on your contact information to any clients that may need assistance in the matters of law in Pakistan.

    Zarar Khan ~ Miami, USA
  • We are greatly impressed with your firm and the professional calibre of the partners. If acceptable, we would like to keep your firm as a reference for future projects. Please let me know.

    Tanaz Pardiwala ~ Barcelona, Spain
  • We are happy to inform you that we have received the original succession certificate via DHL. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts, especially Dr. Zafar, who was kind enough to handle the security deposit at the court. With our best wishes and success for the New Year, to you and your esteemed team, we remain with.

    Mansur Asrar ~ Istanbul, Turkey
  • I am writing to convey to you how much I appreciate your prompt service! My mother called me today and informed me that 2 lawyers from your firm visited her. It is a pleasant surprise to know that such a law firm exists in our very own country. I would definitely recommend your firm to any friend who is in need of professional legal services in Pakistan.

    Naveed Ahmad ~ USA
  • I am truly very impressed with the follow up of your law firm. I never thought a Pakistani firm would be so aggressive and pro-active. Do you even happen to come to NYC? If so, then please look me up here when you visit next.

    Faisal Mumtaz ~ New York, USA
  • I want to thank you for all services you have rendered to us. I really appreciate it and hope on further cooperation.

    Petrov Andrey ~ Moscow, Russia
  • With God's help you have done a great thing for our family. Thank you so much for your diligence and expertise. We are truly grateful to God for all that is possible now. We also are looking forward to meeting you and your staff when we arrive in Pakistan next month. Please let us know if there is anything we can bring for you from the United States as a gift.

    Shaukat Minhas and Colleen Davidson ~ Dallas, USA
  • Your help in investigation case is well appreciated. My brother and I are ever grateful to you for obtaining the document. Thank you and god bless you and your practice team.

    Kevin Lessani - Dallas - USA
  • I greatly appreciate that your law firm is very careful in its preparation of petitions. In fact, the outcome of a legal fight greatly depends on how effectively a law firm has presented its case. If it fails to conceive in advance as to what it will have to face in defense, it can not prepare an effective petition. I admire that ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES - LLP are very careful in their initial step i.e. to prepare petition, around which the whole legal battle is fought.

    M. Iftikhar Sheikh ~ Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia