2025-10-03T16:30:37Z

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Imagine waking up to find a giant like Procter & Gamble has decided to pack its bags and leave your country. That’s the stark reality for Pakistan as P&G announces its exit, marking a significant downturn for the nation’s business environment.

This decision comes amidst a backdrop of severe economic challenges, rendering it increasingly tough for multinational companies to thrive in Pakistan. P&G’s departure is not just a corporate decision; it’s a glaring sign of the struggles Pakistan faces in attracting and retaining global businesses.

P&G confirmed that it would wind down its manufacturing and commercial activities in Pakistan, including the operations of Gillette Pakistan Ltd., a subsidiary of the company. But don’t think this means they’re completely abandoning the market; they plan to continue serving Pakistani consumers through third-party distributors, signaling a shift rather than a complete withdrawal.

This exit is part of P&G’s broader global restructuring strategy, which aims to streamline operations by focusing on core markets. Already, the company has announced plans to cut thousands of jobs worldwide and withdraw from less profitable markets.

Analysts interpret P&G’s departure as a reflection of the wider challenges the company faces in maintaining profitability in increasingly volatile markets. Unfortunately, this trend of corporate exits is not new for Pakistan.

In recent years, other multinational corporations like Shell, Pfizer, TotalEnergies, and Telenor have either reduced their footprint or completely shut down operations in the country. Rising costs, regulatory hurdles, and unreliable infrastructure are major factors driving these companies away.

Experts are sounding the alarm about what this could mean for Pakistan’s economy. Foreign affairs analyst Sushant Sareen remarked, “All they'll get is money for security guard duty,” highlighting how the deteriorating business climate is scaring off investors.

The exodus of global firms not only threatens job opportunities but also endangers the overall investment climate, leaving Pakistan at risk of slipping into a deeper economic crisis. With P&G’s exit, one can’t help but wonder: what’s next for a nation already grappling with economic instability?