BlackBerry to stay in Pakistan after gov't drops server-access request

BUSINESS

BlackBerry to stay in Pakistan after gov't drops server-access request

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, December 31, 2015 10:14AM EST

In this Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, file photo, BlackBerry employees prepare the launch event for the company's new smartphones in London. (AP Photo)

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WATERLOO, Ont. -- BlackBerry (TSX:BB) says it will remain operating in Pakistan after that country's government backed off from its request to gain access to the company's BES servers.

Marty Beard, chief operating officer of BlackBerry, wrote on the company's blog Thursday that the Waterloo, Ont.-based technology firm decided to stay in Pakistan once the government's decision was made.

BlackBerry previously said it would rather close its operations in Pakistan than accept that country's demands for "unfettered" access to its BES servers.

The company had been considering its options ahead of a Dec. 30 deadline.