Microsoft Shuts Pakistan Office Amid Global Restructuring — IT Minister Clarifies Stance

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has addressed widespread speculation surrounding Microsoft’s recent exit from Pakistan. Speaking to reporters after an IT Committee meeting, she offered much-needed clarification following the tech giant’s global restructuring.

“Microsoft has undergone a global shift, laying off between 15,000 and 16,000 employees,” the minister said. “However, here in Pakistan, Microsoft maintained only four or five employees — and none have officially left yet.”

Contrary to viral reports, Shaza Fatima emphasized that Microsoft’s local presence has not vanished entirely and that the ministry is in active dialogue with the company to preserve ongoing collaborations and support for Pakistani users.

She also highlighted that Pakistan is in talks with other major technology firms. Notably, discussions with Google are progressing around AI-driven initiatives, with a focus on education and accessibility.

Projects involving Google Chromebooks are also advancing, reinforcing the government’s push for tech infrastructure in schools and remote communities.

The situation gained attention after Jawad Rehman, former head of Microsoft Pakistan, posted on LinkedIn, calling the closure the “end of an era.” Microsoft later confirmed it will serve Pakistan through its regional hubs and partner ecosystem, a model already in place in several countries.

The announcement follows a similar move by Careem, which will cease operations in Pakistan next month.