Karachi · Sindh
We advise Karachi clients on corporate, tax, banking, trade and dispute matters. Our clients here include companies, financial institutions, importers and exporters, and families with business or property in the city.
Overview
We advise Karachi clients on corporate, tax, banking, trade and dispute matters. Our clients here include companies, financial institutions, importers and exporters, and families with business or property in the city.
Much of Pakistan's money moves through Karachi. Banks, listed companies, importers, shipping and logistics operators and the large family groups of the city all do business here, and the legal work that follows is varied. We help these clients structure transactions, put commercial relationships on paper and keep regulatory and tax obligations in order, so that problems surface while they can still be fixed cheaply.
In practice, Karachi work runs through a handful of forums: the Sindh High Court, the banking courts and the Sindh Revenue Board. A contract with a foreign supplier, a recovery suit, an SRB assessment or a building approval question each has its own route. We explain that route plainly, give a view on the options and handle the filings and hearings, meeting clients in person or by video as the matter needs.
Local context
The Pakistan Stock Exchange and the head office of the State Bank of Pakistan are in Karachi, and many banks and financial institutions are run from here. Financing documents, corporate governance and listed company compliance come up again and again.
As the country's main port city, Karachi handles a heavy flow of imports, exports and freight. Traders and shipping businesses regularly face disputes over supply terms, freight, customs documents and payments from overseas buyers.
The principal seat of the Sindh High Court is in Karachi, as are banking courts hearing recovery cases under the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Ordinance 2001. Commercial suits, constitutional petitions and tax references are routinely filed here.
The Sindh Revenue Board collects sales tax on services, while the FBR deals with sales tax on goods. Construction and development need approvals from the Sindh Building Control Authority and whichever development authority controls the land.
Focus areas
Boards, shareholders, transactions and contracts: corporate advice for companies doing business in Pakistan.
Facility and security documents, Islamic finance and Banking Court recovery work for lenders and borrowers.
Agreements drafted, reviewed and negotiated so that risk is allocated clearly and the terms hold up.
Commercial suits, arbitration, injunctions, appeals and execution of decrees before Pakistani courts.
Title checks, due diligence, sale agreements, transfers, society matters, tenancy and property disputes.
Services tax before the SRB, PRA, KPRA and BRA, the Islamabad regime and multi-province operations.
Registration, monthly returns, input tax, invoicing and refunds under the Sales Tax Act 1990.
Company tax computations, minimum and alternative tax, dividends, associate dealings and tax due diligence.
FAQ
Answers to the questions clients ask most often. Every matter turns on its facts.
We do not list a Karachi office, but we act for many clients in the city. Tell us about your matter and we will suggest how to meet, whether in person or by video, and much of the work can move forward without anyone travelling.
Yes. We deal with SRB registration, returns, notices and assessments, and prepare responses and appeals before the relevant authorities when a dispute arises.
Yes. We act for borrowers, guarantors and financial institutions in recovery proceedings under the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Ordinance 2001, from defence and leave to defend through to settlement talks.
Yes. We draft and review supply, distribution, agency and logistics agreements, paying close attention to payment terms, liability caps and where any dispute will be heard.
We also act for clients in
Consultation
Speak with Sutra Law about your legal, corporate or taxation requirements.
