Microsoft Exits Pakistan After 25 Years, Ex-President Alvi Expresses Concern Over Economic Future

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Here is the revised response in JSON format: { "title": "Microsoft Exits Pakistan After 25 Years, Ex-President Alvi Expresses Concern Over Economic Future", "article": "Microsoft has announced the shutdown of its operations in Pakistan, citing global restructuring and a shift to a cloud-based, partner-led model. The news comes amidst the company's decision to lay off 9,100 employees, or about 4 percent of its global workforce. According to reports, Microsoft never operated a full commercial base in Pakistan, instead relying on liaison offices focused on enterprise, education, and government clients. Former Pakistani President Arif Alvi expressed concern over the shutdown, stating that it reflects a troubling sign for the country's economic future. In a tweet, he recalled conferring the Hilal-e-Imtiaz on Bill Gates for his contributions to polio eradication in Pakistan. Alvi warned that Pakistan is spiraling into uncertainty, with increasing joblessness, talent migration abroad, and reduced purchasing power. He also expressed concern over the country's economic recovery, saying it feels like a distant and elusive dream. Jawwad Rehman, Microsoft Pakistan's former founding country manager, described the shutdown as a sobering signal of the environment the country has created. He said it reflects on what was done (or not done) with the strong foundation left behind by the subsequent team and regional management of Microsoft. "