Microsoft shuts down Pakistan operations after 25 years amid global restructuring and layoffs
Former Microsoft Pakistan country head Jawwad Rehman urged the government to take proactive steps to retain and attract global tech players. 'Even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay,' he wrote in a candid LinkedIn post, calling on the IT ministry to initiate KPI-driven engagement strategies with multinational firms.
Former President Arif Alvi also weighed in on social media, labelling Microsoft's retreat as 'a troubling sign for our economic future.' Alvi revealed that Microsoft had once considered expanding its operations in Pakistan but ultimately chose Vietnam due to the latter's greater political and economic stability. 'The opportunity was lost,' he added.
The timing of Microsoft's exit has raised further eyebrows, especially as it comes just days after the government announced an ambitious initiative to provide half a million young people with global IT certifications, including those from Microsoft itself. The disconnect between policy ambition and on-ground corporate confidence has laid bare the challenges facing Pakistan's tech ecosystem.advertisementWhile Google continues to invest in local educational initiatives and is even exploring Chromebook manufacturing in Pakistan, Microsoft's quiet withdrawal underscores a broader issue: Pakistan has yet to position itself as a serious player in the global tech outsourcing arena. In contrast to neighbouring India, which has built a thriving IT export economy, Pakistan's tech space is often dominated by regional players such as Huawei, with global giants remaining hesitant.As Pakistan eyes digital transformation, Microsoft's departure is a wake-up call, one that highlights the need for stability, clear policy direction, and stronger engagement with the global tech community.- Ends
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