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
Pakistan calls for new global cricket body, says ICC ‘hostage to Indian politics’
- Pakistan’s government has barred its team from playing against India in World Cup fixture on Feb.15
- India generates largest share of cricket’s commercial revenue, enjoying overarching influence in the sport
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called for a new global cricket governing body on Tuesday, saying that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has become hostage to Indian political interests amid a fresh row between the neighbors ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan’s government announced earlier this week that it has cleared its national men’s team to play the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from Feb. 7. However, Islamabad said the national team will boycott its upcoming fixture against India on Feb. 15 without mentioning a reason. The ICC responded by saying that Pakistan’s decision was “not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s dispute with the ICC can be traced back to it expressing displeasure recently at the cricket body’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the World Cup. Bangladesh had requested the global governing body shift its matches to any another venue outside India owing to security concerns, as political tensions surge Delhi and Dhaka surge.
“A new international organization of cricket is needed to keep the spirit of the gentleman’s game alive,” Asif wrote on social media platform X. “ICC has become hostage to Indian political interests in South Asia.”
India generates the largest share of cricket’s commercial revenue and hence enjoys overarching influence over the sport. Critics argue that this financial contribution translates into decisive leverage within the ICC.
A large part of that revenue comes from the Indian Premier League (IPL), the sport’s most lucrative T20 cricket competition, which is run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Between 2024 and 2027, the IPL is projected to earn $1.15 billion, nearly 39 percent of the ICC’s total annual revenue, according to international media reports.
The ICC is headed by Jay Shah, the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah. The ICC chair is expected to be independent from any cricket board and hence take impartial decisions.
India and Pakistan engaged in a military confrontation that lasted for four days in May last year before Washington brokered a ceasefire. Militaries of the two countries pounded each other with drones, missiles, fighter jets and exchanged artillery fire in what was the worst fighting between them since 1999.
These bilateral tensions have made their way to cricket, with India refusing to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers during the September 2025 Asia Cup tournament between both sides. The two teams met for three matches, all of which India won, and did not shake hands before or after the fixtures.
The two countries have not played a full bilateral series since 2012–13 due to political tensions. They meet largely at neutral venues.
