Jamil, Zahid Usman

Since 1997, Mr. Jamil is a senior partner in the Pakistani law firm of Jamil & Jamil, Barristers-at-Law, as a high court litigator and legal and policy consultant in matters ranging from: corporate law, commercial law, information technology, e-commerce and telecommunication law, banking and financial services law, international transport , trade and finance law, WTO dispute settlement, competition and consumer protection law, aviation and space law, joint ventures, the Shariah, conflicts of law, litigation and legislative drafting. He is well known and respected in Pakistan by the private sector, government and civil society as the only expert on issues related to the law and the Internet, IT, cybercrimes and data protection.

As the drafter of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, Mr. Jamil assisted in efforts to have electronic means of communication, evidence and digital signatures recognised and adopted within the Pakistani private sector and government. In particular, he was responsible for the implementation of public key infrastructure within the government and the stock exchange. He also drafted six pieces of transport legislation for an UNCTAD project funded by the World Bank allowing the use of electronic transport documentation. He is the vice chairman of the Legal Working Group United Nations Council on Trade Facilitation and E-Commerce (UN/CEFACT) and the chairman for the Joint Legal Working Group. He is also a member of the Asia Pacific Council on Trade Facilitation and E-Commerce (AFACT).