Microsoft to Exit Pakistan After 25 Years Amid Political Instability, Global Restructuring, and Employee Layoffs

Microsoft has announced it will cease all operations in Pakistan after 25 years, citing increasing political instability and regulatory risks as primary reasons for its exit. The decision is part of a broader global restructuring effort by the company, which involved laying off over 9,000 employees worldwide in June. The closure of Microsoft’s offices in Pakistan will result in employee layoffs and is expected to impact the local technology sector negatively, including potential reductions in investments and job opportunities. The move has drawn comparisons to the period when Imran Khan was Prime Minister, during which Pakistan's tech ecosystem experienced notable growth. Despite the withdrawal, Microsoft has assured customers that the change will not affect their service experience. The exit marks the end of a 25-year presence of the multinational corporation in Pakistan’s IT industry.