Microsoft has officially announced the closure of its local operations in Pakistan, concluding a 25-year presence in the country that began in June 2000. The move signals a strategic shift toward a partner-led, regionally managed model that will continue to serve local customers through international support.

Strategic Transition

Microsoft will transition its operations to a model where services in Pakistan will be managed through its regional hubs and delivered by certified local partners. While the physical office in Pakistan will close, Microsoft reassures that product support, licensing, cloud services, and technical guidance will remain accessible and uninterrupted for users and enterprises in the country.

Context and Background

This decision follows a prolonged period of scaled-down operations. In recent years, Microsoft’s Pakistan presence was limited to a small team, reflecting a gradual pivot to a more remote and decentralized approach. The closure is part of Microsoft’s broader operational review and global restructuring, particularly in smaller markets where partner ecosystems and cloud-first solutions provide more agile service delivery.

Microsoft’s Commitment to Pakistan

Despite the office closure, Microsoft reiterated its continued commitment to customers, partners, and the wider tech community in Pakistan. The company emphasized that the shift will not affect service quality or access to Microsoft’s portfolio of products. Government entities and corporate clients will continue to be supported through established local partners and regional engagement.

Government Response

Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Microsoft’s regional and global leadership. The ministry expressed its interest in sustaining long-term collaboration and ensuring Pakistan remains engaged in Microsoft’s broader vision for innovation and digital transformation.

Industry Perspective

Jawwad Rehman, the founding country manager for Microsoft Pakistan, described the company’s exit as

“more than a corporate closure.”

He stated that the decision reflects broader economic and regulatory challenges in the country and called for collective reflection on how Pakistan can better position itself as a viable destination for global technology firms.

What’s Next

Services will continue to be delivered through Microsoft’s international network, ensuring no disruption for customers in Pakistan. Employees from the local office have been formally informed, and Microsoft remains committed to supporting them through this transition. The company will continue to explore ways to foster innovation and enable digital growth in Pakistan via its global ecosystem.