Microsoft is reportedly exiting Pakistan. The software giant is quitting Pakistan after 25 years. Microsoft is said to have been reducing its headcount and operations in the country over the last few years, and has now fully pulled out of Pakistan. Microsoft started its operations in Pakistan in June 2000. The news of Microsoft exiting Pakistan was revealed in a LinkedIn post by Jawwad Rehmanthe founding head of Microsoft Pakistan. There has reportedly been no formal public announcement from the company itself. However, according to a report by Tech Radar, the move was all but confirmed already, with full operations shut down in Pakistan and only a liaison office with around five employees remaining.
‘End of an Era… Microsoft Pakistan’
In the post titled ‘End of an Era… Microsoft Pakistan’, Rehman wrote: “Today, I learned that Microsoft is officially closing its operations in Pakistan. The last few remaining employees were formally informed and just like that, an era ends… Exactly 25 years ago, in June 2000, I had the honor of launching and leading Microsoft Pakistan.”He added that Microsoft’s decision to quit Pakistan calls for reflection, “Today’s news forces reflection. This is more than a corporate exit. It’s a sobering signal of the environment our country has created.. one where even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay. It also reflects on what was done (or not done) with the strong foundation we left behind by the subsequent team and regional management of Microsoft.” He further said that it is time to ask what has changed about Pakistan that has made global corporations leave the country. “We must ask: What changed? What was lost? What happened to the values, leadership, and vision that once made it all possible?” he wrote. Reflection further, he said, “Allah grants honor and opportunity to whom He wills.. and takes it away from those who lose sight of it. But if your work leaves behind impact, integrity & inspiration.. then know that Allah’s favor was with you.” In another post, Rehman asked the Minister of IT and the Government of Pakistan to “actively engage Microsoft’s regional and global leadership” so that the company can maintain a presence within Pakistan.
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