ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government has long promised to create a favorable environment for businesses, but recent corporate moves show another trend as multinational giants are winding up their operations in the country. The latest example is Procter & Gamble P&G group, the maker of Gillette razors and household products, which is exiting Pakistan.
P&G is the latest company to wind down operations as part of a broader global restructuring plan, but it is not the only company. The recent move follows trend of multinational corporations cutting their footprint in Pakistan over past three years.
| Company | Year | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Pakistan | Q4 2024 | Energy & lubricants divested to Wafi Energy |
| TotalEnergies (Total PARCO) | August 2024 | Sold stake to Gunvor Group |
| Uber | 2022 | Exited ride-hailing business |
| Careem | July 2025 | Operations suspended due to business challenges |
| Pfizer Pakistan | May 2024 | Manufacturing closed, sold to Lucky Group |
| Sanofi | April 2023 | Majority stake sold |
| Bayer | 2022–2024 | Gradual pharma market exit |
| Eli Lilly | November 2022 | Manufacturing shut down |
| Viatris | April 2023 | Divested brand portfolio |
| Fresenius Kabi | Early 2023 | Closed operations |
| Microsoft Pakistan | 2025 | Full operational pullout; minimal liaison remains |
| Puma Energy | Not specified | Shares sold to CynergyCo (Byco) |
Whats behind these exits
As masses are raising questions government’s policty, these companies generally have their own reasons for making such decisions. In case of Shell, the oil ginat exited retail fuel businesses in Mexico and Indonesia as well as Pakistan to tap LNG business.
The reasons behind such exits actually vary by sector. Pharma giants leave due to delays in price change approvals and unethical practices among some local competitors. P&G is also leaving amid global strategic shifts. Other factors contributing to exits include weak enforcement of intellectual property rights, competition from local firms, the large informal sector, shrinking profit margins, high taxes, and a depreciating Rupee.
It is to be noted that leaving Pakistan does not always mean the company’s products will end from the market as several companies make their via third-party agencies.
Major exit from market as Procter & Gamble shuts operations in Pakistan
