Close Shave For Pakistan? P&G’s Exit From Country Sparks Panic Over Razor Shortage

Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 19:59 IST

Procter & Gamble is shutting down operations in Pakistan, sparking concerns over shortages of Gillette, Head & Shoulders, and other personal care brands.

Representative Image. (AI Generated)

Pakistanis are expressing concern over potential shortages of everyday grooming products after Procter & Gamble, the maker of Gillette razors and Head & Shoulders shampoo, announced it is shutting down its operations in the country.

The move comes amid ongoing economic challenges, leaving consumers worried about the availability of their favourite personal care items. Two years ago, videos of stampedes across multiple Pakistani cities during free flour distributions went viral, highlighting the country’s economic turmoil. Since then, little has changed, with numerous multinational companies exiting Pakistan.

All manufacturing and commercial activities of P&G Pakistan, including its razors division Gillette Pakistan, will cease operations.

The announcement has sparked a wave of social media posts from Pakistanis, voicing concerns over potential shortages of essential products like soap and personal care items. Already struggling in cricket, many now worry that their grooming routines could be next to suffer.

Procter & Gamble, which entered the Pakistani market in 1991, quickly rose to become one of the country’s leading consumer goods companies, winning over customers with its affordable and wide-ranging product lineup.

In quick time, brands such as Head & Shoulders, Pantene, Tide, Oral-B, Gillette, Old Spice, Ariel became household names.

“The company has decided a third-party distribution model is the most prudent way to continue to serve consumers in Pakistan at this time,” the company said in a statement. It said employees will be considered for overseas placements or separation packages.

Gillette Pakistan’s board will meet to consider steps for discontinuation, including a possible delisting. Its shares jumped by the 10 percent daily limit, hitting a three-week high.

“I hope such exits make the rulers aware that all is not well,” said Saad Amanullah Khan, a former chief executive officer at Gillette Pakistan, citing high power costs, weak infrastructure and regulatory pressures. He said he hoped for better conditions so “we stop hearing of multinational exits.”

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