Microsoft Shutting Down Its Operations in Pakistan After 25 Years

In a significant development for the local tech industry, Microsoft is reportedly closing its operations in Pakistan after 25 years. The news came via a heartfelt LinkedIn post by Jawwad Rehman, the founding Country Manager of Microsoft Pakistan, who reflected on the company’s journey since its launch in June 2000. Rehman shared how building the local office from scratch forming teams, engaging clients, and creating partnerships was more than a job; it was a calling that deeply shaped his life and career.

Rehman highlighted key milestones from his tenure, including Bill Gates first official conversation with President Pervez Musharraf, securing Gates Foundation grants for health initiatives, setting up hundreds of computer labs in remote regions, and introducing tech prodigy Arfa Karim to Gates. These achievements helped shape Pakistan’s tech ecosystem and marked Microsoft’s deep involvement in local development efforts.

The closure also raises broader concerns about Pakistan’s current business climate. Rehman noted that even global tech leaders now find it difficult to sustain operations in the country. He questioned what changed in Pakistan’s leadership and vision that once made it attractive to global firms, while expressing gratitude for the opportunities and impact Microsoft Pakistan delivered during its peak years.