Procter & Gamble (P&G), the American giant behind household brands such as Ariel, Pampers, and Head & Shoulders, is shutting down its direct operations in Pakistan and will shift to a third‑party distribution model. The company cited mounting challenges, from soaring costs to weakening consumer demand, as reasons for its decision.
The exit adds to a growing list of global corporates pulling back from Pakistan. Earlier this year, Shell bowed out of the fuel retail sector, while pharmaceutical major Pfizer scaled back its local presence, highlighting the difficult conditions multinationals face in the country.
Alongside this blow that will impact the economy, P&G has also sought to delist Gillette Pakistan, its shaving products subsidiary, from the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Although the Gillette brand will continue to be sold, it will no longer trade as a listed company if the delisting is approved.
“The change aligns with our strategy to simplify operations and prioritise resilient, sustainable markets. Through partnerships, we aim to continue reaching Pakistani consumers effectively,” a P&G spokesperson said.
For Pakistan, the decision carries weight far beyond P&G’s exit. Analysts warn that the exit of trusted global brands shakes consumer markets and supply chains while deeply eroding investor confidence, delivering a blow the economy cannot afford right now. With inflation surging, the rupee under pressure, and foreign reserves stretched thin, the steady withdrawal of blue-chip multinationals adds to the strain on an already fragile investment climate.
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