Microsoft withdrew from a country after 25 years: The reason is surprising!

The Redmond-based company told TechCrunch that the shutdown would not affect users, adding, “There will be no changes to customer contracts or quality of service.”

"We are successfully implementing this model in many countries around the world. We are committed to continuing to put our customers first," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

THERE WERE ONLY 5 PEOPLE IN THE OFFICE

It was learned that only 5 employees work in Microsoft's Pakistan office and that there are no engineers in this team. It was stated that the employees are mainly involved in the sales process of Azure and Office products. This situation is considered a striking differentiation for Microsoft, which focuses on centers such as India in terms of engineering investments.

The closure decision is seen as part of Microsoft's restructuring process, which affects about 9,000 people worldwide and includes a 4 percent workforce reduction.

LICENSING WAS ALREADY FOCUSED ON EUROPE

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reminded that Microsoft has been moving its licensing and commercial contract management to its European headquarters in Ireland for some time now, and stated that this decision was taken within the scope of the global "workforce optimization" program. It was stated that daily operations will be carried out by local business partners.

The ministry also stated, “Our constructive contacts with Microsoft will continue. We expect the company to maintain its long-term commitment.”

Jawwad Rehman, the first Microsoft executive in Pakistan, confirmed the decision and criticized it harshly in a post on LinkedIn. “This is not just a company’s exit; it is also a serious warning for the sustainability of our country’s technology landscape,” Rehman said.

GOOGLE INVESTS UNLIKE MICROSOFT

Microsoft’s withdrawal comes on the heels of the government’s recent announcement of a plan to provide Google and Microsoft certifications for young people, while Google reportedly plans to produce 500,000 Chromebooks by 2026 and is investing $10.5 million in public education, highlighting the difference in approach between the two giants.

PAKISTAN FAILED TO ACHIEVE ITS TARGET OF BECOMING A TECHNOLOGY BASE

Microsoft’s decision has revealed that Pakistan has failed to go beyond being a non-engineering resource center for Western technology firms. While countries like India stand out with their engineering investments, the Pakistani market is shaped more by local firms and Chinese manufacturers like Huawei.

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting did not respond to requests for comment.