In a major development for Pakistan’s tech landscape, Microsoft has officially shut down its operations in the country, bringing an end to a 25-year-long chapter of innovation, partnerships, and digital growth.

The decision, confirmed by employees and industry insiders, signals the quiet departure of the global tech giant, which first launched its Pakistan technology sector presence in June 2000. Over the years, Microsoft played a vital role in nurturing local talent, supporting enterprise innovation, and advancing digital literacy in both the private and public sectors.

Jawwad Rehman, Microsoft Pakistan’s founding Country Manager, shared his personal reflections on the company’s exit in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).

“It wasn’t just a job… it was a calling,” Rehman wrote, describing his seven-year leadership as bold, transformative, and full of hope. Under his leadership and that of his successors, Microsoft’s footprint in the Pakistan technology sector expanded through major enterprise solutions, e-governance initiatives, and capacity-building programs for students and professionals.

Throughout its journey, Microsoft collaborated with key industries and government agencies to introduce modern IT standards and drive digital transformation across Pakistan.

While Microsoft has yet to issue an official statement explaining the reasons for its exit, sources suggest that global restructuring plans and cost-cutting measures amid changing market dynamics could be key factors behind the decision.

Despite the local office’s closure, Microsoft is expected to maintain its product availability and support services in Pakistan through regional hubs and third-party partners, ensuring that its global customers in the Pakistan technology sector remain connected.

The shutdown marks more than the closure of a corporate office—it closes a chapter in Pakistan’s digital evolution. Microsoft’s contributions to the Pakistan technology sector helped create opportunities, strengthen IT infrastructure, and equip countless professionals with skills for the future.