Data Protection & Privacy Law

Pakistan's data protection landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act marks a watershed moment for businesses processing personal data within or relating to Pakistan. Our Data Protection & Privacy Law practice guides organizations through the compliance obligations imposed by this new regime, including data processing registration, consent management, cross-border transfer restrictions, and data breach notification requirements. We also advise on the interplay between Pakistani data protection law and international frameworks such as the GDPR and the EU adequacy decisions.

Beyond the data protection legislation, privacy obligations in Pakistan arise from multiple sources. The Constitution of Pakistan 1973 guarantees the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 14, which has been expansively interpreted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Sectoral regulators including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) impose additional data handling requirements on regulated entities. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 also carries privacy-related provisions that remain in force alongside the new data protection framework.

Our practice covers the full lifecycle of data governance — from privacy policy drafting and data mapping to regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings. We represent clients before the newly established Data Protection Authority, the Higher Courts, and sectoral regulators. Whether you are a multinational establishing data operations in Pakistan, a local startup building a digital product, or an individual seeking to enforce your privacy rights, we provide practical, risk-based advice grounded in the evolving statutory and judicial landscape.