Syed Shahab Qutub

Practice Areas

Shahab specializes in commercial litigation and international arbitration, with a particular focus on investment treaty arbitrations. His expertise lies in resolving disputes in industries such as banking, textiles, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, cement, fertilizer, construction, and power. He has handled complex cases involving shareholder disputes, corporate control disputes, lending transactions, cross-border sales, documentary credit, and insurance matters. Shahab also has a strong focus on regulatory law, representing clients in proceedings related to anti-trust, corporate governance, and securities laws. Additionally, he regularly advises public sector organizations, regulatory bodies, and trade organizations on contentious and non-contentious matters. His ability to seamlessly transition between domestic and international forums makes him a versatile dispute resolution lawyer.

In the field of arbitration, Shahab has been involved in high-profile domestic and international arbitrations, including proceedings under ICC, LCIA, DIFC, and ICSID rules. He frequently represents both public and private sector clients in arbitration proceedings and expert determinations, particularly in the textile, fertilizer, and power sectors. His recent work includes representing a state-owned power sector company in an LCIA arbitration related to a 400 MW thermal power project and ongoing representation of another state-owned entity in ICC arbitration and expert determination processes.

Career

With over 15 years of experience in dispute resolution, Shahab has established himself as a leading advocate in Pakistan's legal landscape. He began his career handling complex litigation cases and steadily expanded his practice to include high-stakes arbitration, regulatory disputes, and international legal proceedings. Over the years, Shahab has built a reputation as a detail-oriented and quick-thinking litigator, regularly appearing before the High Courts, trial courts, administrative tribunals, and regulatory bodies in Pakistan. His ability to balance sharp litigation skills with a strategic approach to arbitration and regulatory matters has been instrumental in his career trajectory.

Shahab has also gained substantial experience representing corporate and public sector clients in high-value arbitrations, particularly under international frameworks like ICC and ICSID. His comprehensive understanding of both litigation and arbitration makes him a sought-after lawyer for dispute resolution matters in Pakistan and abroad.

Professional Memberships

Pakistan Bar Council: Registered as an Advocate of the High Court.

Lahore High Court Bar Association: Active member, participating in legal discourse and professional development initiatives.

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb): Associate member, engaging in arbitration-related events and training programs.

International Bar Association (IBA): Member, allowing him to stay connected with international legal developments and practices.

Publications

Shahab has authored and contributed to publications on key legal topics such as:

“Navigating International Arbitration in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities” – An in-depth look at the evolving arbitration landscape in Pakistan, focusing on enforcement and jurisdictional challenges.

“The Role of Regulatory Bodies in Corporate Governance” – Published in a legal journal, exploring the intersection of corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

“Resolving Power Sector Disputes: Lessons from International Arbitration” – A case study-based article examining common pitfalls and best practices in power sector arbitration.

Personal

Shahab has been consistently recognized for his expertise in dispute resolution and insurance law:

Legal 500 Recognition: Described as an “extremely competent litigator who is quick on his feet and pays great attention to detail.”

Praised by Legal 500 for his insurance-sector expertise and leadership of a “dedicated, sharp, and well-organized” dispute resolution team.

Industry Sector Expertise

Shahab’s diverse clientele spans across several key industries, where his legal expertise has had significant impact. These include:

Banking and Finance: Advising on lending disputes, cross-border transactions, and insurance-related litigation.

Textile: Representing clients in domestic and international arbitrations, including high-value contractual disputes.

Pharmaceuticals: Handling complex litigation involving corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

Oil & Gas: Advising on energy-sector disputes, including regulatory compliance and arbitration.

Cement and Fertilizer: Representing companies in both litigation and arbitration, including ICC and LCIA cases.

Construction and Power: Extensive work in power-sector arbitrations, including a 400 MW thermal power project.

Regulatory and Public Sector: Regularly represents clients in proceedings before the Competition Commission of Pakistan, SECP, NEPRA, and the National Tariff Commission.

Work Highlights

Shahab’s career includes several noteworthy achievements:

Successfully represented a state-owned power sector company in an LCIA arbitration concerning a 400 MW thermal power project.

Ongoing representation of a state-owned entity in an ICC arbitration and expert determination in the power sector.

Advised and represented clients in ICC, LCIA, DIFC, and ICSID arbitrations, including cases in the textile and fertilizer industries.

Regularly appears before domestic courts and administrative tribunals in shareholder disputes, lending transactions, and regulatory proceedings.

Recognized for handling high-profile corporate and anti-trust disputes before the Competition Commission of Pakistan and SECP.

Played a critical role in advising regulatory bodies and public sector entities on non-contentious matters to avoid litigation risks.

Awards

Education