ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has dismissed recent claims by Indian media alleging that Microsoft has shut down its operations in Pakistan, calling them false, misleading, and part of a continued anti-Pakistan propaganda.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry clarified that Microsoft never had a permanent office in Pakistan. Instead, the global tech giant has been operating a liaison office in the country, while its licensing and commercial operations for Pakistan have long been managed from Ireland, in line with the company’s global policy.
“Microsoft has not closed any office in Pakistan. The Indian media’s claim is baseless. The shift related to the liaison office is part of the company’s global ‘Workforce Optimisation Programme,’” the statement read.
The ministry added that the company’s engagement with Pakistan remains intact and ongoing, with no change in its level of commitment. “We are in constant contact with Microsoft and other international tech companies. There is no indication that the company is pulling out of Pakistan or scaling down its operations,” the ministry added.
On July 4, reports emerged claiming that tech giant Microsoft had officially ceased its operations in Pakistan after more than 25 years of presence in the country. The alleged move was attributed to the company’s broader global restructuring and workforce optimization efforts.
The ministry clarified that Microsoft had, over the past few years, transitioned its licensing and commercial contract management for Pakistan to its European hub in Ireland. It added that the company’s day-to-day operations in the country have been handled by certified local partners.
“We continue to engage with Microsoft’s regional and global leadership to ensure that these changes strengthen, rather than weaken, the company’s long-term commitment to Pakistani customers, developers, and channel partners,” the ministry said.
