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Nazif ahmed​

  • Managing Partner
  • Languages: English (fluent), Mandarin (intermediate)
  • Managing Partner
Nazif is a corporate and finance lawyer at Ahmed & Qazi, one of Pakistan’s leading corporate law firms, ranked by both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. He advises on high-value domestic and cross-border transactions involving Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America across a broad range of practice areas, including project finance, Islamic and sustainable finance, mergers and acquisitions, private and public equity, debt capital markets, real estate investment trusts, joint ventures, restructurings and other non-contentious commercial matters.
Having advised on transactions exceeding US$30 billion in aggregate value across banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions and capital markets, Nazif has extensive experience across a diverse range of industries, including financial services, infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, real estate, oil and gas, sustainable projects, pharmaceuticals, aviation, textiles, media, fintech and telecommunications. His ability to navigate complex transactions, coupled with strong commercial acumen and a deep understanding of local and foreign currency dynamics, enables him to provide strategic, commercially focused solutions tailored to the particular requirements of each client.
Nazif has played a leading role in several landmark transactions that have contributed to the development of Pakistan’s legal and financial markets. His experience includes advising on the first-ever US$500 million green bond issued by WAPDA and listed on the London Stock Exchange, with JP Morgan as global coordinator; Pakistan’s inaugural US$250 million Panda Bond issued in the Chinese onshore capital markets; and international sukuk and Eurobond issuances by the Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan, including transactions listed on the London and Luxembourg Stock Exchanges and involving leading international financial institutions. The 2022 US$1 billion international sukuk was recognised by The Asset as the “Sukuk of the Year – APAC”.
His experience also includes advising on the establishment of Pakistan’s first listed developmental REIT, Globe Residency REIT; the divestment by FINCA Global of FINCA Bank Pakistan; Pakistan’s first-ever green sukuk, valued at PKR 32 billion; and the Government of Pakistan’s debut listed Ijarah Sukuk issuance of over PKR 100 billion. He has also advised on subsequent Ijarah Sukuk issuances, including aggregate issuances during FY2024 valued at approximately PKR 1.91 trillion.
Nazif regularly advises government bodies and financial institutions on regulatory and policy matters, including changes to existing regulatory frameworks in response to evolving financial sector dynamics. His experience in financial markets, combined with his understanding of the regulatory environment, enables him to advise clients on complex transactions while anticipating and addressing the legal and regulatory considerations that may affect their objectives.
Nazif is conversant in Mandarin and has invested significant time in developing an understanding of the Chinese language, culture and business practices. This linguistic and cultural proficiency, together with his legal and transactional experience, enables him to bridge cultural and commercial gaps and build effective relationships with Chinese clients and counterparties. His experience is particularly relevant to transactions involving Chinese businesses and investments in Pakistan, including those undertaken in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Nazif has been recognised and individually ranked by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. Client and market commentary has described him as “a thorough, proactive, cooperative professional who maintains a solid reputation, understands the client’s needs, and has versatile experience providing strategic legal counsel across various industries in handling complex matters.” The Legal 500 has also recognised his leadership of a “high-impact, closely knit team”.

Nazif holds vast experience in handling a diverse range of domestic and cross-border deals across multiple practice areas, including corporate finance, project finance, Islamic finance, debt restructuring, debt capital markets, equity capital markets, real estate investment trusts, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other non-contentious, commercial matters.

Nazif’s proficiency in handling complex transactions, coupled with his strong business acumen and deep understanding of local and foreign currency dynamics, enables him to provide strategic solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client and navigate the intricate landscape of corporate law seamlessly. His commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and client-focused approach have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and a valuable asset to our firm.

Having invested time and effort to learn Mandarin, Nazif has developed a deep understanding of the Chinese language, culture, and business practices. This linguistic proficiency, combined with his legal expertise, enables him to bridge the gap between different cultures and effectively communicate and build strong relationships with Chinese clients, something that sets him apart in the legal industry, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other engagements involving Chinese businesses.

Having advised on banking & finance and capital markets transactions exceeding US$10 billion in aggregate value, Nazif has played a pivotal role in several groundbreaking transactions that have left a lasting impact on the legal and financial landscape of Pakistan. Notably, Nazif spearheaded the successful execution of the first-ever green bond (valuing US$500m) in Pakistan, the establishment of the first sukuk programme in Pakistan while representing the Government of Pakistan, and the first listed developmental REIT in Pakistan.

His experience also includes working closely with government regulatory bodies, where he has been routinely engaged for advising on the necessary changes to existing regulatory regimes in response to evolving financial sector dynamics.

According to The Legal 500, “Nazif Ahmed is very proactive, professional and co-operative” and “A high impact and closely knit team which is very ably led by Nazif Ahmed”.

As the head of the corporate practice at our firm, Nazif leads a highly skilled team of approximately two dozen corporate lawyers. Under his guidance, the team has consistently achieved remarkable success in providing exceptional legal services and delivering favorable outcomes for our clients.

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