Microsoft Ends 25-Year Operations in Pakistan, Shifts to Reseller Model
Microsoft has announced the closure of its local operations in Pakistan, ending a 25-year presence in the country. The company will now serve its customers through resellers and nearby regional offices, ensuring continuity in service agreements. “Our customer agreements and service will not be affected by this change,” a Microsoft spokesperson stated.
The decision impacts five employees in Pakistan, where Microsoft primarily focused on sales of Azure and Office products, rather than engineering. The move aligns with Microsoft’s broader restructuring efforts, including a recent 4% global workforce reduction.
Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunication described the exit as part of a “wider workforce-optimization program.” Microsoft had already shifted licensing and contract management to its European hub in Ireland, with local partners handling daily operations.
Former Microsoft executive Jawwad Rehman expressed disappointment on LinkedIn, calling the exit a “sobering signal” of Pakistan’s business environment. The closure contrasts with Google’s recent $10.5 million investment in Pakistan’s education sector.
Pakistan’s tech sector remains dominated by local firms and Chinese companies like Huawei, lacking the engineering outsourcing appeal of neighboring India. Despite this, the government aims to certify 500,000 youth in tech skills, including Microsoft programs.
