After a quarter-century of shaping Pakistan’s digital landscape, Microsoft has officially shut down its operations in the country — a move that not only signals the departure of a tech giant but also reflects deeper economic challenges facing the region.
Employees were recently informed of the company’s full exit plan, bringing to a close what many describe as an important chapter in Pakistan’s tech evolution. For those who had been part of the journey, the announcement was more than just corporate news — it felt personal.
Jawwad Rehman, the founding Country Manager who led Microsoft Pakistan for seven years, called it the “end of an era.” Reflecting on his experience, he said, “It wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. We worked to uplift communities, create jobs, and build trust. We tried to give Pakistani youth a real shot at opportunity.”
Microsoft wasn’t just a software company in Pakistan — it was a catalyst. It built hundreds of computer labs across underserved areas, supported tech education, and fostered partnerships that helped businesses and governments digitize their services.
The closure comes amid Pakistan’s worsening economic climate and political instability, which have forced several multinational companies to scale back or pull out entirely. Back in 2022, Microsoft had been considering expanding its presence here — but later shifted its plans to Vietnam as conditions in Pakistan grew increasingly uncertain.
As the global tech leader bows out, its absence leaves both a gap in infrastructure and a symbolic void in the country’s ambitions for a digitally empowered future.
