ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): In a major development, Microsoft has reportedly ended its operations in Pakistan, marking the closure of a chapter that began in June 2000. The announcement came from Jawwad Rehman, the founding Country Manager of Microsoft Pakistan, who shared the news in a LinkedIn post.
“End of an Era… Microsoft Pakistan,” Rehman wrote, confirming that the company has formally informed its employees about the closure. The decision reflects broader changes within the company, which is undergoing a worldwide restructuring and workforce reduction.
Rehman, who played a key role in establishing Microsoft’s presence in Pakistan, said he spent seven years building a talented team, supporting customers, and working with local partners. He pointed out that the current business environment in Pakistan has become challenging for global companies to operate in.
While discussing the reasons behind the shutdown, Rehman hinted that the strong foundation laid by his team may not have been maintained effectively by those who followed. He suggested that both internal management and external economic conditions contributed to Microsoft’s decision to pull out.
During its time in Pakistan, Microsoft built hundreds of computer labs in remote areas.
Microsoft’s exit comes at a time when Pakistan faces mounting economic uncertainty and a growing digital divide. Once considered a potential hub for tech investment, the country has seen multiple global firms reduce or reconsider their footprint.
Microsoft had earlier considered Pakistan for expansion in 2022 before shifting plans to Vietnam following political chaos in the country.
This move is not limited to Pakistan. In June, Microsoft announced it was laying off around 9,100 employees, about 4% of its global workforce, as part of a large-scale restructuring plan. The closure in Pakistan appears to be part of that broader global strategy.
The exit of a major tech company has raised concerns about Pakistan’s business climate and its ability to retain international tech giants. Many in the local tech community have expressed disappointment, calling it a setback for the country’s IT sector.
As of now, the company has not released an official press statement regarding the closure in Pakistan. However, the confirmation from its founding country head has already sparked discussions across the business and technology sectors.
