In a landmark development for Pakistan’s technology landscape, Microsoft has officially ended its operations in the country, closing the chapter on a 25-year presence that began with ambitious goals for digital transformation and international collaboration.
The closure—confirmed by employees and reported by media—signals the quiet exit of the tech giant, which first established its office in Pakistan in June 2000. The last employees were notified of the decision in recent days, bringing to a close an era in which Microsoft played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, forging enterprise partnerships, and advancing digital literacy across multiple sectors.
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Jawwad Rehman, Microsoft Pakistan’s founding Country Manager, shared his reflections in an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter). “It wasn’t just a job… it was a calling,” he wrote, recalling his seven years at the helm of the company’s Pakistan operations. Rehman described the journey as “bold and hope-filled,” acknowledging its profound impact on his personal and professional growth.
During Rehman’s tenure and under subsequent leaders, Microsoft Pakistan introduced enterprise solutions across various industries, collaborated with government bodies on e-governance initiatives, and spearheaded capacity-building efforts in education and innovation. The company’s exit not only marks the closure of a local office but also the end of a significant partnership that helped embed modern IT practices into Pakistan’s corporate and public sectors.
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Microsoft has yet to issue an official statement regarding the closure or its underlying reasons. However, global restructuring efforts and cost-optimization measures in response to shifting market conditions are widely seen as key factors behind the decision.
Here’s how social media users reacted
My heart aches for my country when things like this happen. This truly feels like the end of an era — Microsoft is officially closing its operations in Pakistan. “Mulk kaafi oopar jaa raha hai” 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gpUeYHgBkJ
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) July 3, 2025
Sadly, another international business exits Pakistan — this time, it’s Microsoft. Just a few years ago, during the previous government, they were expanding here (photo from 2018 when I inaugurated their Islamabad office). Today, wrong regime, wrong indicators, wrong direction… pic.twitter.com/sELLDR2o0D
— Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) July 3, 2025
Microsoft’s decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a troubling sign for our economic future. I vividly recall February 2022, when Bill Gates visited my office. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I had the honor of conferring the Hilal-e-Imtiaz on him for his remarkable… pic.twitter.com/T4SMkp6Mn0
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) July 3, 2025
“It’s not easy to live in India.” Meanwhile in Pakistan:
– Microsoft: Bye 🖥️
– Uber: Gone 🚘
– Careem: Out 🚕
– HSBC: Toodles 🏦
– Barclays & RBS: Vanished 💳Even companies want asylum 😂 pic.twitter.com/F8kDI3ApzB
— Meru (@MeruBhaiya) July 3, 2025
Bill Gates visited because Imran’s Polio Czar had massively screwed up and let Polio back in country. He was fired.
As for Microsoft none of this is a surprise. Pakistan’s in country distribution ended a long time ago. Microsoft supplies from Turkey and invoices from Ireland… https://t.co/CfkOex6UMC
— Habibullah Khan (@Huk06) July 3, 2025