Who is Mahnaz Malik? Pakistani Legal Star Delivers Historic $30 Million Victory for Turkey

In a stunning international legal victory, British-Pakistani Judge Mahnaz Malik has secured Turkey’s triumph in a landmark US$30 million arbitration case against Italian energy giant Enel, showcasing Pakistani legal excellence on the world stage.

The World Bank ICSID tribunal unanimously ruled in Turkey’s favor on July 22, 2025, with Judge Malik leading Turkey’s legal team in the high-stakes renewable energy dispute, according to Global Arbitration Review (GAR).

Pakistan’s Global Legal Champion

At 47, Judge Malik stands as one of Pakistan’s most celebrated international legal figures. As the youngest of only seven judges on the prestigious World Bank Sanctions Board and a barrister and arbitrator at Twenty Essex Chambers, London, she continues to elevate Pakistan’s reputation in global legal forums.

Her journey began in Pakistan, where she won the SAARC Gold Medal for Essay Writing at just 13 – presented by India’s Prime Minister. By 18, she had published two books before earning her Cambridge law degree on a British Chevening Scholarship.

Track Record of Defending Nations

This Turkish victory adds to Judge Malik’s impressive record of successfully defending sovereign states in high-stakes international disputes. She previously secured victories for Indonesia and Albania, with the Albanian case resulting in the dismissal of a massive one billion dollar claim with full costs awarded to the state – demonstrating her exceptional ability to protect national interests against major international claims.