LAHORE – Global tech giant ‘Microsoft’ has announced the closure of its operation in Pakistan. The closure of its services marks an end to a 25-year-long era of the company’s time in Pakistan. The employees of the company were later formally notified of the company’s plan to close down.

Microsoft Pakistan’s Founding Country Manager Jawwad Rehman termed the company’s exit as the “end of an era”.  Mr. Jawwad Rehman has been serving as the company’s leading figure for its local efforts for the last seven years. During his time, he helped build teams, provide customer support, and expand the company’s digital infrastructure across Pakistan.

Mr. Rehman remarked that for him, it was only a job but a call to uplift the people of Pakistan along with forming new partnerships, earning the trust of millions, and creating opportunities for Pakistan’s youth.

What did Microsoft do for Pakistan?

During its time in Pakistan, Microsoft established hundreds of computer labs in remote areas. However, Microsoft’s exit occurs at a time when the country is facing significant economic uncertainty and an increasing digital divide. Once viewed as a potential hub for tech investment, Pakistan has witnessed several global companies either reducing their presence or reevaluating their investments in the region.

Earlier in 2022, Microsoft was considering Pakistan a potential candidate for expansion; however, due to the country’s political turmoil, the plans had to be shifted towards Vietnam.