Islamabad (Agencies) July 4, 2025 — Microsoft has officially closed its liaison office in Pakistan, ending a 25-year presence in the country. The decision is part of a broader global restructuring strategy that includes shifting toward a cloud-first, partner-led model and cutting approximately 9,100 jobs worldwide—about 4% of its workforce.
Microsoft never operated a full commercial base in Pakistan, instead relying on liaison offices to serve enterprise, education, and government clients. In recent years, much of its licensing and contract management had already been shifted to its European hub in Ireland, while service delivery was handled by certified local partners.
The closure has sparked concern among industry leaders and former officials. Jawwad Rehman, Microsoft Pakistan’s founding country manager, described the exit as “more than a corporate decision,” citing the deteriorating business climate and lack of sustainability for global firms.
Despite the shutdown, Microsoft will continue serving Pakistani customers through regional teams and partner networks. The Ministry of IT and Telecom confirmed that the company’s exit reflects a long-signaled strategy and not a complete retreat from the Pakistani market.