KARACHI: Western Digital Corporation, an American manufacturer of computer hard disk drive and data storage company, on Wednesday announced its decision to expand its footprint in Pakistan by mentioning the possibility of setting up a manufacturing facility in the country.
“We have seen the potential in the Pakistani market and are excited to see that consumer trust already exists in our products. We aim to uphold and further strengthen our bond with our customers and, in due time, bring more innovative products to Pakistan,” Khwaja Saifuddin, the company’s senior sales director for the Middle East and Pakistan, said at an event arranged by his organization in Karachi.
In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a significant growth in the number of broadband internet users -- a fact that has enticed global IT companies seeking to enhance their business outreach in the region.
Pakistan has attracted around $8 million of foreign investment in its IT sector in July and August. It also experienced an inflow of $41 million in the previous financial year (FY20), according to the State Bank of Pakistan records.
Saifuddin said a small-scale manufacturing facility could be set up in Pakistan, though he added that this would be a demand-driven initiative.
While the Western Digital officials refrained from quoting a future investment figure, they noted that their company was likely to set up stores, provide aftersales services, hire a significant number of people, and arrange for their training. “The essence behind this is to help our consumers capture, preserve, access and transform data with complete peace of mind,” Saifuddin added.
Western Digital’s product line includes SanDisk mobile storage solutions portfolio, with storage devices such as the iXpand flash drive, SanDisk Ultra dual drive, and microSD and SD cards.
“With such a diverse portfolio, Western Digital strives to deliver a complete experience to its Pakistani customers through its efficient aftersales services,” the company said in a statement, adding that it also intended to expand its existing product range in Pakistan.
With 169 cellphone subscribers and over 86 million mobile broadband users, Pakistan offers an attractive market to IT companies providing software and hardware solutions.
American computer hard disk drive manufacturer extends data storage outreach in Pakistan
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American computer hard disk drive manufacturer extends data storage outreach in Pakistan
- Western Digital officials indicate they may set up a small-scale manufacturing facility in the country
- The company will also establish outlets, provide aftersales service, and hire a significant number of people in the coming days
Santas on camels lead Christmas rally in Pakistani capital
- Hundreds join year-end procession in the capital, chanting and marching in festive dress
- Christians make up only 1.37% of Pakistan’s population, according to the 2023 census
ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of Pakistani Christians marched through Islamabad in a Christmas rally on Sunday, with men dressed as Santa Claus riding camels and waving at crowds as they chanted greetings ahead of the holiday.
The gathering showcased one of the country’s most visible Christmas celebrations, held in a nation where Christians remain a small religious minority. Census data from 2023 puts the Christian population at less than 1.37 percent nationwide, though communities are concentrated in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
For participants, the rally was both festive and symbolic, an open display of faith near the heart of the capital.
“My heart is filled with gratitude. We are very thankful to the government of Pakistan, the army, the police, and everyone for supporting us during our event, especially the event for minority communities,” said 27-year-old Arsalan Masih.
Standing beside him as camels passed through Zero Point, a central traffic junction, electrician Shafiqui Saleem said the group celebrated openly each year.
“December has started, and we are enjoying our Christmas celebrations. This is why we have started this rally, to praise our Lord and celebrate His coming, as He was born in the month of December to bring salvation to this world. We are very happy to enjoy December.”
Saleem said the procession reflected a sense of belonging despite being a minority in the country.
“Despite being a minority, we have never faced any obstacles here in Islamabad,” he said.
“You can see that today, we were granted permission to hold this rally from Zero Point, and the authorities are managing the traffic and supporting us. It is wonderful that, despite being a minority, we are receiving a lot of support.”
