Website Terms, Privacy & Platform Policies

Wakeel Connect is a legal-technology platform operated by Crestora Technologies (Private) Limited, a company incorporated in Pakistan under the Companies Act, 2017, bearing CUIN 0351630. Wakeel Connect is a trading brand and is not a separate incorporated entity.

Clear allocation of responsibility For an Independent Advocate Consultation, professional responsibility rests with the booked Advocate. For a Shams Law Chamber Service, professional legal work is the responsibility of Shams Law Chamber and the assigned advocate, while Wakeel Connect remains responsible for its own platform administration, payment handling, support commitments and representations under these policies.

At the present stage, independent Advocates may offer consultation services only unless Wakeel Connect expressly enables another service category. Drafting, notices, registrations, filings, appearances, case handling and other end-to-end legal services may be purchased only where specifically listed as a Shams Law Chamber Service or later enabled under written service-specific terms.

By accessing the website or application, creating an account, submitting verification material, booking or delivering a service, making or receiving payment, or clicking an acceptance control, a User agrees to this document and the applicable service listing. Users must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of contracting. A person acting for an organisation confirms authority to bind it.

Advocate: an independent legal practitioner applying to or approved for the Platform.

Client: a person seeking or purchasing a Consultation or Legal Service.

Consultation: a time-limited advice session with an Advocate, without drafting, filing, representation or continuing work unless expressly included.

Legal Service: a separately described deliverable or matter-handling service supplied through the Shams Service Channel.

MDR: the Platform service fee/commission equal to 20% of the applicable Independent Advocate Consultation Fee, unless a different rate is expressly agreed in writing.

Platform: the Wakeel Connect website, application, systems and related services.

Service Listing: the page or checkout description stating scope, price, estimated delivery time and material exclusions.

Shams Service Channel: Legal Services offered through Wakeel Connect in affiliation with Shams Law Chamber.

User: a Client, Advocate, visitor or authorised account user.

• Users must provide current, complete and truthful information and keep it updated.
• Credentials are personal; Users are responsible for account security and must promptly report unauthorised access.
• Wakeel Connect may require re-verification, supporting evidence or identity confirmation where reasonably necessary for safety, payment, fraud prevention or compliance.
• A User must not impersonate another person, create misleading profiles or submit altered, expired, stolen or forged documents.

A booking is accepted only when payment is successfully processed and confirmation is issued. Browsing a profile, sending a general enquiry or uploading a document does not itself create an advocate-client relationship. The relevant relationship begins when the Advocate or Shams Law Chamber accepts the specific booking or engagement, subject to conflict and eligibility checks.

The Client must review the stated duration, deliverables, exclusions, assumptions, dependencies and estimated time before paying. Work outside that scope requires a new quotation or booking. A consultation does not automatically include document review, drafting, follow-up advice, filing, representation or responsibility for a legal deadline.

• Provide accurate facts, documents, instructions and deadlines, and disclose relevant adverse information.
• Attend the booked session and maintain suitable connectivity, privacy and equipment.
• Use legal advice lawfully and make independent decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.
• Pay displayed fees and government, court, stamp, courier, translation or third-party charges expressly identified as additional.
• Treat Advocates and support staff respectfully and do not record a session without all required consent.
• Do not use the Platform to harass, threaten, commit fraud, conceal proceeds, evade law or obtain advice for unlawful conduct.

• Maintain active enrolment and comply with applicable Bar Council rules and professional duties.
• Conduct conflict checks; decline or stop work where professional rules require it.
• Protect confidentiality and exercise independent professional judgment.
• Attend punctually, provide the booked consultation competently, and avoid guarantees or misleading claims.
• Keep fees, availability, experience and practice areas accurate.
• Do not solicit off-platform payment for a Platform-originated booking or misuse Client information.
• Maintain appropriate records and promptly disclose suspension, cancellation, expiry or material restriction of professional status.

Law, facts, evidence, courts and public authorities determine legal outcomes. Neither Wakeel Connect nor any Advocate guarantees success, bail, acquittal, recovery, registration, approval, settlement or any other result. Displayed availability and delivery periods are estimates, not fixed guarantees, unless the Service Listing expressly states a binding deadline accepted in writing.

An Advocate or Shams Law Chamber may decline or withdraw from a matter for conflict, illegality, non-payment, lack of instructions, professional reasons or other lawful grounds. Where paid work cannot proceed, the unused portion will be handled under Part E after considering work already performed and non-refundable third-party costs.

Wakeel Connect is not itself a law firm and does not direct an Advocate’s legal judgment. Independent Advocates are not employees, partners or agents of Crestora Technologies. The affiliation with Shams Law Chamber does not convert every Advocate on the Platform into a member or agent of that chamber. Only a service expressly labelled as a Shams Law Chamber Service is supplied through that channel.

Wakeel Connect and its licensors own the Platform technology, design, databases and brand assets. Users retain ownership of material they lawfully submit and grant Wakeel Connect a limited, non-exclusive licence to host, process, transmit and display it only as needed to provide, secure and improve the service, resolve disputes and comply with law. Legal work product remains subject to the applicable professional engagement and payment terms.

The Platform may use payment gateways, banks, hosting, identity-verification, communication, analytics and video providers. Their services may be subject to separate terms. Maintenance, outages, connectivity failure, cyber incidents or force majeure may interrupt access. Wakeel Connect will use reasonable efforts but does not promise uninterrupted availability.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Wakeel Connect is not liable for an independent Advocate’s advice, conduct or result; inaccurate User information; external services; public-authority delay; or indirect, consequential or speculative loss. For a claim arising solely from Platform administration, Wakeel Connect’s aggregate liability will not exceed the amount paid by the affected Client to Wakeel Connect for the specific disputed booking, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded or limited. Nothing excludes fraud, wilful misconduct or another non-excludable liability.

A User will indemnify Crestora Technologies and its personnel against reasonable losses and costs arising directly from that User’s fraud, unlawful conduct, forged material, material breach, infringement or misuse, except to the extent caused by Wakeel Connect’s own breach, negligence or wilful misconduct.

Wakeel Connect may restrict, suspend or close an account for fraud risk, false credentials, security threats, professional-status issues, abusive conduct, payment circumvention, repeated breach, inactivity or a lawful direction. Where practicable, notice and an opportunity to respond will be provided. Accrued payment, confidentiality, intellectual-property, dispute and record-retention provisions survive closure.

• Electronic acceptance and records may be used to the extent recognised by the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002.
• Pakistani law governs these policies. Part D governs the dispute process.
• If a provision is invalid, it will be narrowed or severed without affecting the remainder.
• No waiver arises from delay. Users may not assign an account or obligation without written consent.
• Wakeel Connect may update policies prospectively with a revised date and reasonable notice of material changes. A change will not retroactively alter a completed paid booking unless required by law or agreed.

Crestora Technologies (Private) Limited determines how Platform account, booking and operational information is processed. An Advocate or Shams Law Chamber may separately control professional files created or held for legal work. This Policy covers visitors, Clients and Advocates.

• Provide accounts, search, booking, consultation, Shams services, payments, settlements and customer support.
• Verify Advocate identity, enrolment and qualifications; prevent impersonation and fraud.
• Protect users, enforce contracts, investigate complaints and maintain cybersecurity.
• Meet legal, regulatory, tax, accounting, court and law-enforcement obligations.
• Improve functionality and analytics using proportionate information; obtain consent where applicable.
• Send essential service messages; marketing is subject to opt-out and applicable law.

Verification documents are collected for Platform review and are not displayed publicly in full. Public profiles may show a verification status, name, practice information and limited credential details. CNIC numbers, document images, educational records, bank and tax information are restricted to authorised personnel and service providers with a need to know, subject to security and legal requirements.

Users should upload only what is reasonably necessary. Wakeel Connect’s receipt of a document for routing, booking or support does not by itself create legal professional privilege. Privilege and professional confidentiality, where applicable, arise through the relationship with the relevant Advocate or Shams Law Chamber. Platform personnel may access limited information where necessary for technical support, safety, billing or a dispute, and should avoid reviewing substantive legal content unless required.

• With the selected Advocate or Shams Law Chamber to deliver the requested service.
• With payment, hosting, communication, verification, analytics and security providers under appropriate arrangements.
• With professional advisers, auditors, insurers or transaction counterparties under confidentiality duties.
• With a court, Bar Council, regulator, tax authority, law-enforcement agency or other authority where lawfully required.
• With another party where the User directs or validly consents.

Some technology providers may process or store data outside Pakistan. Wakeel Connect will use reasonable contractual, organisational and security safeguards appropriate to the information and applicable law. Users should review links to third-party services before providing data directly to them.

Reasonable safeguards may include access controls, authentication, logging, encryption where appropriate, backups, staff confidentiality, provider diligence and incident response. No online system is completely secure. Users must protect credentials and report suspected compromise promptly.

Actual retention depends on the record, purpose and applicable law. Data may be anonymised instead of deleted where appropriate.

Subject to identity verification, applicable law, privilege, professional duties and legitimate retention needs, Users may request access, correction, account closure, deletion, withdrawal of optional consent, or marketing opt-out by contacting info@wakeelconnect.com. Requests affecting an Advocate’s professional file may be referred to that Advocate or Shams Law Chamber.

The Platform may use essential cookies for login, security and preferences, and optional analytics or marketing technologies where enabled. Users can manage browser settings, although essential features may be affected. Operational booking and security messages cannot be opted out of while an account or active service exists.

The Platform is not directed to persons under 18. Material privacy changes will be posted with a revised date and, where reasonably practicable, notified. Privacy queries may be sent to info@wakeelconnect.com or 0311 2610683.

This Part covers Platform access, verification, payments, bookings, independent consultations and Shams Service Channel orders. It does not prevent a User from seeking urgent court relief, exercising a non-waivable statutory right, reporting crime, or lodging a professional-conduct complaint with the competent Bar Council.

1. 1.Submit a written complaint to info@wakeelconnect.com with account details, booking reference, issue, requested remedy and supporting evidence.
2. 2.Wakeel Connect acknowledges receipt and may request further information. Target response periods in Schedule 2 are indicative, not guaranteed.
3. 3.The Platform reviews its records and obtains the other party’s response where fairness and confidentiality permit.
4. 4.Wakeel Connect may propose correction, rescheduling, partial or full refund, payout adjustment, warning, suspension, referral or another proportionate outcome.
5. 5.If unresolved, an authorised representative conducts an internal escalation and issues a final Platform position.

Wakeel Connect may review whether a consultation occurred and whether Platform rules were followed, but it does not adjudicate professional negligence or discipline. Alleged Advocate misconduct may be referred to the relevant Provincial/Islamabad Bar Council or Pakistan Bar Council as applicable. Refund administration does not determine professional liability.

After internal escalation, the parties will first attempt good-faith settlement. They may then agree to mediation in Karachi or online, with costs shared equally unless agreed otherwise. Confidential settlement discussions are without prejudice where recognised by law.

Subject to non-waivable rights and disputes reserved for a competent professional or statutory authority, an unresolved contractual dispute may be referred to a sole arbitrator under the Arbitration Act, 1940. The seat is Karachi, Pakistan; proceedings are in English unless agreed otherwise. If the parties do not validly agree to arbitration for a particular dispute, or court involvement is required, courts of competent jurisdiction at Karachi, Sindh will have jurisdiction.

Users must preserve relevant messages, receipts and booking records. Complaint information will be limited to those who reasonably need it, subject to fairness, legal process and reporting duties. A good-faith complaint will not by itself justify retaliation; knowingly false evidence or abusive complaints may result in action.

The Client pays the total shown at checkout. The Service Listing should identify whether taxes, government fees, court fees, stamp duty, courier, translation, travel, expert charges or other disbursements are included. Unless expressly included, these are additional and require Client approval.

Wakeel Connect charges the Advocate a Platform service fee/commission described operationally as MDR equal to twenty percent (20%) of the gross Consultation Fee. After a completed Consultation, the Advocate is eligible for the remaining eighty percent (80%), less refunds, reversals, chargebacks, taxes and legally required deductions. The MDR is compensation for Platform access, verification review, booking, payment facilitation, support and settlement administration; it is not a banking or card-network MDR.

A Shams Legal Service is charged at the price shown in its Service Listing or written quotation. Its internal commercial allocation is governed by the Platform’s arrangement with Shams Law Chamber and is not automatically subject to the 20% independent-Advocate MDR. The Client remains responsible only for the displayed/accepted price and approved additional costs.

Third-party banks and payment providers process transactions. Wakeel Connect is not a bank, wallet, electronic money institution, payment system operator or escrow provider. Booking confirmation is subject to successful payment. Advocate settlement timing is indicative and may depend on completion confirmation, gateway settlement, compliance review and dispute/chargeback holds.

A Service Listing may state different terms where the Client sees and accepts them before payment. Mandatory consumer rights, if applicable, prevail.

Refund requests should be raised promptly with evidence. Approved refunds go to the original payment method and remain subject to provider processing times. Duplicate or demonstrably erroneous charges will be corrected. A User should contact Wakeel Connect before a chargeback; fraudulent or abusive chargebacks may lead to suspension, recovery action and withholding of related settlement, without limiting lawful banking rights.

Each Advocate is responsible for their own tax registration, invoices and liabilities except deductions Wakeel Connect is legally required to make. Wakeel Connect may issue transaction records and retain invoices, settlement statements and tax evidence.

Wakeel Connect may compare documents, request originals or certified copies, contact issuing bodies, use verification vendors and conduct periodic rechecks. A badge means only that specified evidence was reviewed at a point in time; it is not an endorsement, competency warranty, disciplinary clearance or result guarantee.

An Advocate must immediately report expiry, suspension, cancellation, disciplinary restriction, name change, altered chamber affiliation, compromised account or any fact making the profile misleading. Wakeel Connect may temporarily hide a profile while checking. Failure to cooperate may result in suspension or termination.

• Comply with the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973, applicable Bar Council Rules and lawful directions.
• Preserve client confidences, avoid conflicts, and do not misuse privileged or sensitive documents.
• Do not guarantee outcomes, fabricate experience, buy reviews or advertise in a misleading manner.
• Do not share accounts, delegate consultations to an undisclosed person or allow an unqualified person to give legal advice.
• Clearly state when further paid work, review or representation is required.
• Do not move a Platform-originated consultation off-platform to avoid MDR or controls.

Wakeel Connect may reject or suspend a profile for unverifiable, inconsistent, expired or fraudulent material. Where appropriate, the Advocate will receive a reason and a reasonable opportunity to correct an error or appeal through support. Suspected forgery or professional misconduct may be reported to competent authorities.

Wakeel Connect is affiliated with Shams Law Chamber for separately identified legal services. A Client may purchase such a service directly through the Platform without first booking an independent Advocate consultation, subject to conflict checks, service availability, scope acceptance and payment.

Listings may include consultations, legal opinions, notices, agreements, document review/drafting, registrations, applications, due diligence, court or authority filings, representation, case handling and other lawful legal services. Availability varies and only the written listing or engagement confirmation is binding.

The order confirmation will identify or later communicate the scope, material exclusions, required Client inputs, assigned contact/advocate where appropriate, price and estimated time. Shams Law Chamber may allocate or replace personnel while remaining professionally responsible for the service, subject to confidentiality, competence and conflict requirements.

Any website delivery period is an estimate based on complete and accurate Client inputs and ordinary external processing. It is not mandatory or guaranteed unless expressly confirmed as binding in writing. Time may change because of missing documents, Client revisions, complexity, court or government schedules, third-party action, law changes, holidays, force majeure or new scope. Wakeel Connect/Shams will use reasonable efforts to communicate material delay.

The Client must supply requested information, approvals, signatures and payments promptly. An estimated period pauses while Client input is outstanding. If the Client remains unresponsive after reasonable reminders, the matter may be placed on hold or closed, with fees assessed for work performed and committed costs.

No filing, appearance or representation is undertaken unless expressly included and required authority documents, vakalatnama/power of attorney, fees and originals are received. Wakeel Connect does not promise acceptance by a court, registrar, regulator or other authority.

Included revisions, if any, are stated in the listing. A change to facts, transaction structure, parties, forum, deliverable or instructions may require a revised quote and timeline. Delivery occurs through the stated Platform/email method. Clerical errors reported promptly will be corrected; new substantive work is separately chargeable.

Users must not commit fraud, impersonate others, submit forged credentials, threaten or harass, distribute malware, bypass security, scrape personal data, manipulate ratings, launder money, make unlawful recordings, publish confidential case material, infringe rights, obtain advice for illegal activity, or circumvent Platform fees and booking controls.

A review must reflect a genuine completed service, focus on the User’s own experience, and avoid confidential, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory or irrelevant content. Wakeel Connect may moderate, remove or decline content for rule violations, fraud indicators, legal risk or privacy, but does not promise to pre-screen every review. Advocates may respond professionally without revealing Client confidences.

Users warrant that they have authority to upload content and that it is lawful. Rights holders or affected persons may submit a reasoned takedown request with identification of the content and basis. Wakeel Connect may preserve evidence, restrict access and seek further information before acting.

NOT AN EMERGENCY SERVICE Do not rely on the Platform for an arrest, imminent hearing, limitation deadline, safety threat or other urgent matter. Contact an appropriate advocate, court, authority, police/emergency service or legal-aid provider directly. A booking request does not preserve a legal deadline.

These policies are intended to operate subject to applicable Pakistani law, including the following principal sources as amended or replaced from time to time. The list is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice to Users.

• Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973, and Pakistan Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Rules, 1976 (Pakistan Bar Council).
• Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002 (electronic records and transactions).
• Arbitration Act, 1940 (domestic arbitration framework).
• Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (electronic conduct and offences).
• Companies Act, 2017 (corporate operator).
• Applicable federal and provincial consumer, tax, evidence, contract, intellectual-property and court-procedure laws.

Official references: Pakistan Bar Council, https://pakistanbarcouncil.org/acts; Pakistan Code, Ministry of Law and Justice, https://pakistancode.gov.pk/.