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P&G to wind down manufacturing, commercial activities in Pakistan

P&G to wind down manufacturing, commercial activities in Pakistan
The photograph released on September 5, 2016, shows an exterior view of the Procter & Gamble office in Karachi, Pakistan. (P&G website/File)
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Updated 02 October 2025

P&G to wind down manufacturing, commercial activities in Pakistan

P&G to wind down manufacturing, commercial activities in Pakistan
  • The firm entered the Pakistani market in 1991 and grew into one of the country’s top consumer goods providers
  • P&G says employees, whose roles are impacted, will be considered for opportunities in operations outside Pakistan
Updated 02 October 2025
Ismail Dilawar

ISLAMABAD: P&G will wind down manufacturing and commercial activities in Pakistan as it transitions to a distributor model in the South Asian country, the American multinational firm said on Thursday.

The move, in line with P&G’s global efforts to accelerate growth and value creation, will see the company shift its business and operating model in Pakistan, according to a P&G statement.

The Ohio-based consumer goods corporation will cut down manufacturing of P&G Pakistan and Gillette Pakistan Ltd. and serve consumers from our “other operations in the region.”

“We will continue to operate the business in the ordinary course until the process is complete, which may take several months,” P&G said in a statement.

“Supporting this Company decision, P&G Pakistan and the supporting regional teams will begin transition planning immediately, with a focus first on P&G people.”

In June, P&G had announced that it would trim its portfolio and cut up to 7,000 jobs over the next two years as part of an overhaul. The firm also lowered its guidance to reflect the impact of trade tariffs and worsening consumption trends, according to Bloomberg.

The decision also makes P&G the latest multinational to scale back from Pakistan, amid wider business and economic challenges including profit-repatriation curbs and weak demand.

The firm entered the Pakistani market in 1991 and grew into one of the country’s top consumer goods providers.

It said that P&G employees, whose roles are impacted by this decision, will be considered for opportunities in other P&G operations outside Pakistan or will be offered separation packages in accordance with local laws, company policies, and our values and principles.

“After consideration of a broad range of options, the Company has decided a third-party distribution model is the most prudent way to continue to serve consumers in Pakistan at this time,” it added.

Separately, Gillette Pakistan said on Thursday it would evaluate a potential delisting following a decision by its parent Procter & Gamble to discontinue its business in Pakistan as part of the consumer product group’s global restructuring program, Reuters reported.

Gillette Pakistan plans to convene a board meeting shortly to evaluate the actions required for this business discontinuation, including the potential de-listing from the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the company said in a filing. 

Topics: P&G Pakistan economy

Pakistan orders inquiry after police storm Islamabad press club, rough up people

Pakistan orders inquiry after police storm Islamabad press club, rough up people
Updated 5 sec ago

Pakistan orders inquiry after police storm Islamabad press club, rough up people

Pakistan orders inquiry after police storm Islamabad press club, rough up people
  • Government says incident occurred as Kashmir protesters clashed with police, fled into the press club
  • Journalist union, rights body condemn unprecedented raid, as minister express regret over the incident
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday ordered an inquiry after police stormed the National Press Club in Islamabad and allegedly manhandled journalists and others inside the building.

The incident took place as supporters of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee were protesting outside the facility. The group has staged demonstrations since late September, demanding an end to special allowances for government officials and the provision of electricity and wheat to the region at discounted rates.

According to an official statement, police chased some of the protesters who ran into the press club after a brawl with law enforcement personnel. Videos circulating on social media showed policemen striking people with batons inside the facility before dragging them outside.

“Violence against the journalist community will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Naqvi said in a statement circulated by his office. “The personnel involved in the incident must be identified and disciplinary action taken.”

Naqvi said he had ordered an inquiry into the incident and sought a report from the top police official in Islamabad.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also visited the club to express regret over the incident.

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt said the club administration and office bearers were present at the time, but they were also targeted by the police.

“This is not just an issue related to the Islamabad press club,” he said in a televised news conference with Chaudhry.

“All press clubs across Pakistan believe that if they turn a blind eye to this terrible incident, it will also be repeated in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar.”

“This is why we will initially consult our friends here and then in other parts of Pakistan before determining our plan of action and present our demands,” he added.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also condemned the episode in a social media post, seeking an “immediate inquiry” and action against those responsible.

Located in the heart of the capital, the National Press Club often draws protesters from diverse political and social groups seeking visibility for their causes.

Thursday’s incident was unusual, however, as police have not previously stormed the premises.

Topics: Azad Kashmir protests Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi National Press Club Pakistani journalists

Pakistan, UAE to collaborate on Karachi-Peshawar railway upgrade, says envoy

Pakistan, UAE to collaborate on Karachi-Peshawar railway upgrade, says envoy
Updated 56 min 34 sec ago

Pakistan, UAE to collaborate on Karachi-Peshawar railway upgrade, says envoy

Pakistan, UAE to collaborate on Karachi-Peshawar railway upgrade, says envoy
  • ML-1 project to modernize and dual-track 1,872 km Karachi-Peshawar line for freight, passengers
  • Pakistan’s railways minister is in Abu Dhabi for Global Rail 2025, meeting his regional counterparts
Updated 56 min 34 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Thursday Pakistan and the UAE plan to collaborate and share expertise in the railway sector, adding that the Gulf state is already involved in the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project and that Islamabad is in contact with Etihad Rail in this connection.

The ML-1 project is Pakistan’s largest railway infrastructure upgrade involving the modernization and dual-tracking of the 1,872 km Karachi-Peshawar railway line, including signaling upgrades, bridges, stations and speed enhancements.

Together with ML-3, which links Quetta to Kotri via Jacobabad, the two railway lines are viewed as pivotal for regional connectivity by expanding freight capacity and shortening travel time.

The Pakistani envoy’s statement came as a delegation from his country, led by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kiyani, participated in the Global Rail Conference and Exhibition 2025, which started in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 30 and concluded on Oct. 2.

“This was a great opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its central position between Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East,” Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, told Arab News.

“Both countries will share experiences and best practices, as the UAE is already involved in the ML-1 section and the government of Pakistan is in touch with Etihad Rail in this regard,” he said while sharing the details of Kiyani’s visit.

The global transport summit has brought together over 24 ministerial delegations, more than 60 global CEOs and 200 international speakers from across the world under the theme “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity.”

Hosted by Etihad Rail in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the event featured over 200 exhibiting companies and attracted more than 20,000 participants, serving as a global platform for strategic dialogue, project showcases and shaping the future of rail and infrastructure.

“Now, it’s an opportunity for all countries to look for connectivity and the cheapest mode of transportation of goods in the world after sea freight, which is railway,” the envoy said, adding that railway is also environmentally friendly.

He said the Pakistani state minister also had an opportunity to take a ride on the fast track which was set up between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and will become operational in 2026.

“It took him 35 minutes to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on the new railway track,” he added.

Tirmizi said Kiyani also chaired a session attended by railway ministers from several friendly nations, including Egypt, Ƶ, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The ambassador said the Pakistani minister also held a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during which he emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the two countries in governance, electricity, railways and investment.

“Overall, this [event] has had a tremendous impact not only on bilateral relations but also on regional connectivity,” he added.

In a separate statement, Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in the UAE said Kiyani highlighted his country’s vision for transforming its railway sector into an efficient, reliable and environmentally sustainable backbone of national transport.

He particularly emphasized the upgradation of two major railway corridors, ML-1 and ML-3, while aligning Pakistan’s rail network with international standards.

“Pakistan’s active presence at the Global Rail Conference 2025 reflects its strong commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions and forging strategic international partnerships that support long-term economic development and connectivity,” the statement added.

On the sidelines, the Pakistani minister also met Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak to discuss potential cooperation in freight logistics, technology exchange and network development.

He also visited Etihad Rail and Hafeet Rail exhibition stalls to review regional innovations in rail systems.

Topics: Pakistan UAE ties Pakistan UAE trade Bilal Azhar Kiyani

Pakistani sauce brand eyes India exports via Gulf to bypass trade barriers

Pakistani sauce brand eyes India exports via Gulf to bypass trade barriers
Updated 02 October 2025

Pakistani sauce brand eyes India exports via Gulf to bypass trade barriers

Pakistani sauce brand eyes India exports via Gulf to bypass trade barriers
  • Pakistan suspended trade with India in 2019 over tensions related to disputed Kashmir territory
  • Dipitt is in talks to acquire tomato manufacturing facility in Jeddah that was shut down in 2023
Updated 02 October 2025
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ITT Foods, known for its leading sauces and confectionery under the Dipitt brand, is exploring options to bypass trade barriers and export products to India with a manufacturing facility in Jeddah, the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) said recently.

Dipitt eyes $5 billion Indian market as part of its expansion plans, according ITT Foods CEO Syed Zeeshan Haider. The country, where 37 percent population lives in urban centers, offers $4.73 billion sauces and seasonings and $324 million condiments markets to Pakistan’s largest sauces brand.

Pakistan suspended trade with India in Aug. 2019 after New Delhi revoked special autonomy granted to Indian-administered Kashmir. In April this year, Islamabad announced suspending all trade with India, including to and from any third country, following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan denied involvement.

In an interview with Arab News, Haider said Dipitt, which has an office in Dubai, gets a lot of queries from India whenever it partakes in the Gulfood exhibition, and the Karachi-based food company is in advanced talks to take over a tomato manufacturing facility in Jeddah Industrial Zone 2 that was shut down in 2023 by a Saudi steel company diversifying into food production.

“So, that’s another bigger market [India] out there which I think we should work with,” Haider said. “And then since Dipitt has a base in Dubai, so that’s another thing that we are exploring from there.”

He said ITT Foods was seeking to set up production facilities outside Pakistan to cut logistics costs and serve the markets faster. Through the facility, it could also navigate trade barriers to India.

“For Pakistan, there is another angle that we are unable to export to India,” he said. “So, that also can be covered from that [Gulf region] market.”

Asked if he would rename his brand, Dipitt, if required for entering the Indian market, Haider said “it will depend on our strategy, various factors, and the regulatory environment at that time.”

‘RIGHT FOOTING, NOT HASTE’

ITT Foods is Pakistan’s largest exporter of sauces and seasonings, which it supplies to 32 countries in five continents across the globe. Exports currently make up about 40 percent of its sales. The company also seeks to expand its business into newer markets such as the US, Germany, France, Russia and Mexico.

Haider said partnering with big-name retailers such as Walmart, Albertsons and others in the US and European regions is the “next milestone” that ITT Foods would set out to achieve this year.

“We want to make sure that when we enter, we enter at the right footing, not in haste,” he said. “It will be very soon that you will find us there.”

Currently, about 20 percent of ITT Foods’ exports go to the North American and European markets.

Haider said these markets were home to a large consumer base where the consumption of sauces is “far more over there as compared to this part of the world.”

ITT Foods plans to expand its business network to 50 countries in the next three years, after which it may look to get listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSXX), Haider said.

“I think 2030 would be the right time for us to go and seek out if we have to do anything outside,” he said.

‘PROBLEM FOR EVERYBODY’

Asked about the challenges, Haider pointed to increasing taxes that his company was facing in Pakistan. He said the recent increase in the tax on sugar has impacted Dipitt products since sugar is one of the major raw materials needed in manufacturing of ketchups.

“Yes, I think we are taking whatever measure we can take to ensure that the consumer gets the product at the same price,” he said. “Till it becomes to an unbearable point where we cannot take any more.”

Cash-strapped Pakistan has been working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase its revenues by withdrawing subsidies and increasing taxes in recent years. The move has caused inflation to surge, which peaked to 38 percent in May 2023 before gradually cooling down to 3 percent in August.

According to global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the rate of taxes on Pakistani corporations ranges from 20 to 39 percent.

Financial experts, however, warn the recent floods may spike inflation in the coming days.

“Now taxation is becoming... I think that’s a problem for everybody,” Haider said. “It is becoming difficult and difficult day by day.”

Topics: Pakistani brands Dipitt Pakistan India Trade

Pakistan opts to bat first against Bangladesh at Women’s Cricket World Cup

Pakistan opts to bat first against Bangladesh at Women’s Cricket World Cup
Updated 02 October 2025
AP

Pakistan opts to bat first against Bangladesh at Women’s Cricket World Cup

Pakistan opts to bat first against Bangladesh at Women’s Cricket World Cup
  • Both teams progressed to World Cup out of qualifying round
  • Pakistan will play all seven of its group games in Colombo
Updated 02 October 2025
AP

COLOMBO: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh in the Women’s Cricket World Cup on Thursday.

Both teams progressed to the World Cup out of the qualifying round in Lahore this year. Bangladesh edged past West Indies on net run-rate.

Bangladesh hasn’t played any ODIs since the qualifying round in April. Skipper Nigar Sultana also wanted to bat first.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana will be playing her 50th ODI.

Pakistan will play all seven of its group games in Colombo. A semifinal and the final will also take place in the Sri Lanka capital if Pakistan make it that far.

LINEUPS

Bangladesh: Farqana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (captain), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Nishita Akter

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (captain), Sidra Nawaz, Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal

Topics: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Pakistan women cricket team Women Cricket World Cup

Pakistan, Tajikistan pledge early operationalization of CASA-1000 power line project

Pakistan, Tajikistan pledge early operationalization of CASA-1000 power line project
Updated 02 October 2025

Pakistan, Tajikistan pledge early operationalization of CASA-1000 power line project

Pakistan, Tajikistan pledge early operationalization of CASA-1000 power line project
  • CASA-1000 aims to allow Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan to sell excess energy to Pakistan and Afghanistan in the summer months
  • The project, initially meant to allow the export of electricity by 2020, has been stalled for years by turmoil in Afghanistan
Updated 02 October 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have pledged early operationalization of a $1.2 billion Western-backed project to build a power line between Central Asia and South Asia, the Pakistani foreign office said on Thursday, after wide-ranging talks between both sides on trade, investment, defense and security issues.

The statement came after the 6th session of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and Tajikistan in Dushanbe on September 29–30. The Pakistani delegation was led by Additional Foreign Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan Syed Ali Asad Gillani, while the Tajik side was headed by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Farrukh Sharifzoda.

The CASA-1000 project, launched in 2016, aims to allow Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, former Soviet republics with an extensive network of hydroelectric power plants, to sell excess energy to Pakistan and Afghanistan in the summer months. The project, initially meant to allow the export of electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan by 2020, has been stalled for years by turmoil in Afghanistan.

“Both sides explored avenues to enhance trade, particularly through increased collaboration in textiles, logistics, agriculture and food, and pharmaceuticals,” the Pakistani foreign office said. “They underscored the significance of regional transport corridors and reaffirmed their commitment to the early operationalization of CASA-1000, aimed at strengthening regional integration and energy security.”

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan generate most of their energy from hydropower plants built on the rivers that flow into Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan limit water release during summer due to lower power demand, angering their neighbors who need water for irrigation. The five countries have failed to reach an agreement after decades of negotiations.

The new power line could smooth flows as power demand in Pakistan peaks during the summer months.

In Feb. 2024, the World Bank, a key CASA-1000 backer, approved resumption of the clean energy project after it was stalled in 2022 due to turmoil in Afghanistan, with the Bank focusing on urgently needed education, agriculture and health programs.

It said construction of the project in the other three countries was nearly complete and these countries had requested that CASA-1000 activities in Afghanistan resume to avoid the risk of the project becoming a stranded asset.

Tajikistan aims to completely switch to green energy and zero emission by 2027.

“The transmission capacity of the CASA-1000 energy project will be 1,300 megawatts, which will be an energy link between Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to provide clean energy not only to regional countries but also fill the need of Pakistan’s industrial sector,” Tajikistan’s Deputy Minister for Energy Jamshed Shoimzoda said in June this year.

“Massive infrastructural projects will be beneficial for all of its stakeholders by fulfilling energy needs and strengthening regional connectivity.”

The United States was initially involved in financing the 1,200-km-long line as part of its New Silk Road initiative to integrate Afghanistan with Central Asia. Other project sponsors have included the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, the UK Department for International Development, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Topics: Pakistan Tajikistan Ties CASA-1000 project

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