Microsoft shuts down its office in Pakistan after 25 years
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Tech Giant Microsoft has officially closed its local office in Pakistan after being present in the country for nearly 25 years. The news has come as a surprise to many in the tech community and raised fresh concerns about Pakistan’s business environment. This move comes just days after Microsoft announced a major layoff of nearly 9,000 employees worldwide as part of its global restructuring plan.
The news was confirmed by Jawwad Rehman, the founding Country Head of Microsoft Pakistan, and has been widely reported in national and international media. While Microsoft has not yet given an official reason for this move, experts believe that Pakistan’s ongoing economic instability, political uncertainty, high taxes, and regulatory challenges may have played a major role.
Microsoft began its journey in Pakistan on March 7, 2000, and its exit on July 3, 2025. Though Microsoft will no longer have a physical office in Pakistan, it has clarified that it will continue offering support to local users remotely through certified partners.
Reacting to the news, former Pakistani President Dr. Arif Alvi expressed deep concern, saying:
”Microsoft’s decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a troubling sign for our economic future. Microsoft chose Vietnam for its expansion, a decision in which they had initially favored Pakistan. The opportunity was lost.
Pakistan now spirals in a whirlpool of uncertainty. There is increasing joblessness, our talent is migrating abroad, purchasing power has reduced, economic recovery in the 'awami' context feels like a distant & elusive dream.”