Microsoft’s Exit A ‘Sobering Signal’ Of Business Environment In Pakistan: Company’s Founding Country Manager

By News18

After 25 years, Microsoft’s exit from Pakistan has prompted strong reactions, with founding country head Jawwad Rehman calling the development a “sobering signal” of the environment Pakistan has created for global businesses.
Rehman, who launched Microsoft’s operations in Pakistan in June 2000, shared his thoughts in a series of LinkedIn posts. He confirmed that the last few remaining employees were formally informed, officially marking Microsoft’s complete pullout from the country.
“Today, I learned that Microsoft is officially closing its operations in Pakistan. The last few remaining employees were formally informed and just like that, an era ends,” he wrote.
“Exactly 25 years ago, in June 2000, I had the honor of launching and leading Microsoft Pakistan,” he said.
‘This is more than a corporate exit’
Calling the move more than just a company decision, Rehman said it reflects the deteriorating business environment in Pakistan.
“Today’s news forces reflection. This is more than a corporate exit. It’s a sobering signal of the environment our country has created… one where even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay,” he wrote.
Rehman said the foundation built in the early 2000s was not followed up with the kind of support and vision needed to retain a company like Microsoft.
“It also reflects on what was done (or not done) with the strong foundation we left behind by the subsequent team and regional management of Microsoft,” he wrote.
‘What changed? What was lost?’
The former Microsoft executive urged policymakers and stakeholders of Pakistan to reflect on what went wrong. “We must ask: What changed? What was lost? What happened to the values, leadership, and vision that once made it all possible?”
He also wrote: “Allah grants honor and opportunity to whom He wills… and takes it away from those who lose sight of it. But if your work leaves behind impact, integrity & inspiration… then know that Allah’s favor was with you.”
In a follow-up post, Rehman appealed to Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and the government to reach out to Microsoft’s global leadership to ensure some level of presence remains in the country.
He urged officials “to actively engage Microsoft’s regional and global leadership” to prevent a complete disengagement.
Though Microsoft had already reduced its presence in Pakistan over recent years, reports suggest a full shutdown of operations, with only a small liaison setup remaining.

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