WEBDESK: Azaad fact check: Claims that Microsoft is completely leaving Pakistan are false, a senior government official told Azaad English.
Azaad English spoke to a high ranking officer of the Ministry of IT, who confirmed that while Microsoft is closing its liaison office in the country as part of a global restructuring plan, it will continue operating in Pakistan through local certified partners.
The move is part of Microsoft’s worldwide shift from traditional software sales to a cloud-based, partner-led model.
Azaad Fact Check has debunked fake news spread by an India-based X handle claiming Microsoft is leaving Pakistan. Microsoft employs only five people in Pakistan and relies on certified partners, who will continue operations. In contrast, Microsoft employs approximately 18,000… https://t.co/ENgDqGVCXU pic.twitter.com/ess6sBiwWa
— Azaad Fact Check (@azaadfactcheck) July 4, 2025
This would reflect a long-signalled strategy, consolidating direct headcount and moving toward a partner-led, cloud-based delivery model, rather than a retreat from the Pakistani market, told the senior official.
The company is moving away from selling software the traditional way and focusing more on cloud-based services, which are managed online through local partners.
Azaad English spoke to a high ranking officer of the Ministry of IT, who stated that we will continue to engage Microsoft’s regional and global leadership to ensure that any structural changes strengthen, rather than diminish, Microsoft’s long-term commitment to Pakistani customers, developers and channel partners.
Over the past few years, Microsoft has already moved its licensing and contract work for Pakistan to its European office in Ireland.
Local service and support are now provided by Microsoft-certified partners in Pakistan, and this setup will continue.
Some reports on social media claimed that Microsoft is leaving Pakistan for good. However, Azaad Fact Check has confirmed that these claims are false.
The company is only closing its local office as part of a wider global restructuring, which includes reducing staff and changing how services are delivered.
Moreover, Microsoft employs only five people in Pakistan and relies on certified partners, who will continue operations.
In contrast, Microsoft employs approximately 18,000 people in India, and its plan to lay off 9,000 employees will significantly impact India.
Azaad Fact Check: Microsoft in Pakistan
Some social media posts have claimed that Microsoft has completely left Pakistan or is shutting down operations due to problems in the country. However, these claims are false and misleading.
vBREAKING : Microsoft exits Pakistan after a non manageable shortage of skilled employees in Pakistan. 80 percent of Pakistan's population has studied in madrasas and they still believe that the earth is flat like carpet. pic.twitter.com/RysqW67S9t
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) July 4, 2025
🚨 BIG BREAKING
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) July 3, 2025
Microsoft SUSPENDS all operations in Pakistan 🇵🇰
— Even tech giants can’t survive in Bhikaristan. pic.twitter.com/lm6cl7VJlV
While Microsoft is closing its office in Pakistan, it is not leaving the country entirely. The company will continue to operate through its certified local partners.
This move is not because of any issue specific to Pakistan, but rather part of Microsoft’s global strategy to shift toward cloud-based services and reduce direct offices around the world.
The Ministry of IT and Telecom said it remains committed to keeping strong partnerships with global tech leaders like Microsoft to help Pakistan’s digital growth.
Read more: Azaad fact check: Iran DID NOT receive J-10C Jets from China
