Microsoft Exits Pakistan After 25 Years: Former Country Head Calls It 'More Than Just a Corporate Exit'

After a 25-year-stay, Microsoft has apparently shut down its operations in Pakistan. The computer giant, which opened its local operations in June 2000, had been winding down gradually over the last few years.

Now, the firm seems to have finally put an end to its stint in the country, having only a light presence through a liaison office with about five employees.

The news emerged through a LinkedIn article by Jawwad Rehman, Microsoft Pakistan's founding head, and not through any official statement. Another report by Tech Radar also supported the news, claiming Microsoft has shut down all its full-scale operations in Pakistan.

Rehman wrote his views in a sincere LinkedIn article "End of an Era… Microsoft Pakistan" and mentioned:
"Today, I heard that Microsoft is finally shutting down its businesses in Pakistan. The very few remaining staff were officially notified and just like that, an era comes to a close. Exactly 25 years ago, in June 2000, I had the privilege of inaugurating and spearheading Microsoft Pakistan."

He also looked back at the meaning of this withdrawal, labelling it as a time for sober reflection:
"Today's headlines compel introspection. This is not simply a corporate withdrawal. It's a sobering reminder of the conditions our nation has set. one under which even international titans such as Microsoft have found it unsustainable to stay. It also comments on what was accomplished (or not accomplished) with the good platform we left behind by the successive team and regional management of Microsoft."

Rehman asked for the underlying reasons that could have forced such a giant business out of the nation:
"We have to ask ourselves: What changed? What was lost? What became of the values, leadership, and vision that made it all work?"

He concluded his message on a philosophical note by saying: "Allah bestows honor and opportunity upon whom He pleases. and withdraws it from those who lose track of it. And yet if your work leaves behind an impact, integrity & inspiration. then be assured that Allah's grace was upon you."

In a subsequent post, Rehman implored the Government of Pakistan and Honourable IT Minister to act proactively and engage in talks with Microsoft's regional and global leadership. His call was intended to galvanize efforts towards maintaining some sort of Microsoft presence within the nation.