Microsoft is shutting down its direct operations in Pakistan, ending a 25-year presence in the country in a move that was described by the tech giant as a strategic shift to a partner-led model.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the company will now serve Pakistani customers through resellers and “other closely located Microsoft offices,” TechCrunch reported on July 4.

“We follow this model successfully in a number of other countries around the world. Our customers remain our top priority and can expect the same high level of service going forward,” said the spokesperson.

‘Long-signaled strategy’

Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom dismissed reports of Microsoft exiting the country, saying it would continue working with the company’s regional and global leadership to ensure that any structural changes strengthen — rather than diminish — the company’s long-term commitment to Pakistani customers, developers, and partners.

In a statement, the ministry noted that Microsoft’s decision appeared to be part of a global workforce-optimisation programme, describing it as “a long-signaled strategy, consolidating direct headcount and moving toward a partner-led, cloud-based delivery model, rather than a retreat from the Pakistani market.”

Microsoft had already shifted its licensing and commercial-contract management for Pakistan to its European hub in Ireland in recent years, with daily service delivery handled by certified local partners, according to the ministry.

Industry experts, however, warned the closure could negatively impact Microsoft employees in Pakistan.