Microsoft Shuts Pakistan Operations After 25 Years, Cites Global Restructuring
Tech giant Microsoft has announced to shut down its limited operations in Pakistan as part of its global strategy to reduce workforce, which various stakeholders termed on Friday as a "troubling sign" for the country's economy.
Microsoft, while closing its office in Pakistan on Thursday after 25 years, cited global restructuring and a shift to a cloud-based, partner-led model.
The move came as the tech giant cut roughly 9,100 jobs worldwide (or about 4 per cent of its workforce) in its largest layoff round since 2023.
Jawwad Rehman, former founding Country Manager of Microsoft Pakistan, urged the government and IT minister to engage with the tech giants with a bold KPI (Key Performance Indicators) driven plan.
He said the exit reflected the current business climate. "Even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay," he posted on LinkedIn.
Former Pakistan president Arif Alvi, in a post on X, also expressed concern over Microsoft shutting down operations.
"It is a troubling sign for our economic future," he wrote.
He claimed Microsoft once considered Pakistan for expansion, but that instability led the company to choose Vietnam instead by late 2022.
"The opportunity was lost," he wrote.
Jawwad explained that Microsoft didn't operate a full commercial base in Pakistan, relying instead on liaison offices focused on enterprise, education, and government clients.
Over recent years, much of that work had already shifted to local partners, while licensing and contracts were managed from its European hub in Ireland.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Switching industries? 7 ways to build credibility in a field you didn't study
Switching industries? 7 ways to build credibility in a field you didn't study It's a scenario that's increasingly common today: a literature graduate pursuing a career in UX design, an engineer moving into marketing, or a psychology major transitioning to data science. As industries evolve and interdisciplinary skills grow in demand, more and more people are entering fields unrelated to their undergraduate training. But even when the shift is possible, the question remains: how do you earn trust and legitimacy in a field you weren't formally trained for? Employers may be more open-minded today, but they still look for proof of fit. Whether you're aiming for a full career switch, planning to study further in a new field, or just trying to land that first job in an unfamiliar industry, building credibility is key. Fortunately, it's not about going back to school, it's about being intentional. Here are seven practical and proven ways to build credibility in a field that your original degree didn't prepare you for. 1. Learn the language of the industry Every profession has its own vocabulary—technical terms, key frameworks, jargon, even acronyms. Understanding and using this language correctly helps you sound informed and confident, especially in interviews, meetings, or online discussions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Start by immersing yourself in the industry: follow thought leaders on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter), listen to top podcasts in the field, read trade journals, and sign up for relevant newsletters. Engage with niche YouTube channels or blogs focused on real-world trends in that industry. Over time, you'll start to think and communicate like a professional in the space—something no certificate alone can teach. 2. Take focused courses that show intent You don't need another bachelor's degree to make the switch. What you do need is evidence that you're willing to learn. Short-term certifications or bootcamps signal that commitment clearly. Look for structured, outcome-oriented programs in your target field—such as Google's UX Design Certificate, Harvard's online Public Policy courses, or beginner-to-advanced Python classes on Coursera. Pick courses that are well-recognized, teach real-world applications, and (ideally) offer a capstone project or certificate of completion. These not only boost your skills but help bridge the academic gap on your resume. 3. Build a project that proves your ability Theory helps, but proof builds trust. Creating or contributing to a real-world project shows initiative and gives you tangible outcomes to share with employers. If you're switching to digital marketing, run a campaign for a local business or NGO. If you're moving into product design, build a UX case study based on an app redesign. If you're eyeing public policy, write a short whitepaper or policy brief on a topic you care about. Projects show that you're not just interested in the field—you're capable of doing the work. Plus, they double as portfolio material. 4. Frame your transferable skills with clarity Soft skills like critical thinking, communication, research, collaboration, and problem-solving are highly valued across fields—but only if you frame them in context. If you're coming from a humanities background and want to enter data analytics, talk about your experience with research design and pattern recognition. If you worked in events but are shifting to HR, highlight your stakeholder coordination and process management skills. Use real examples from academic, volunteer, or work experiences to demonstrate how your existing abilities apply in the new domain. A well-structured resume and LinkedIn profile can help reinforce this cross-domain narrative. 5. Connect with people in the industry Career changes are smoother when you're not doing it alone. Seek out people who work in your target field and learn from their journeys. Reach out on LinkedIn, join virtual panels, attend meetups, or follow community Slack groups. Ask questions, request short informational interviews, and be genuinely curious. Networking not only helps you gain insight into industry expectations but also builds your visibility. When people see you show up repeatedly and ask thoughtful questions, they begin to associate your name with the field—even before you land a formal role. Over time, these connections can lead to mentorship, referrals, or even job leads. 6. Craft a strong narrative for your pivot You don't need to hide your academic background—in fact, you should use it. Build a compelling story that explains why you're shifting, what you bring from your previous field, and how that perspective can add value to your new one. For instance, 'I studied biology, but working in community engagement during the pandemic sparked my interest in public health strategy. I've since completed a certification in health policy and written two research pieces on health communication.' This kind of story works well in SOPs, cover letters, and interviews because it shows that your switch is thoughtful—not random. 7. Share your learning journey publicly One of the most underrated ways to build credibility today is by showing your learning in real time. Start a blog, a LinkedIn series, or even a Twitter thread documenting your projects, takeaways from courses, or industry insights. You don't need to be an expert—just be consistent and authentic. This habit not only forces you to reflect and consolidate your learning, but also helps recruiters and professionals in your target field discover you. Over time, you'll position yourself as someone serious, self-driven, and genuinely interested in the field. That's credibility, earned in public. Switching industries is no longer the exception: it's the new normal. The challenge isn't whether you're allowed to change direction, but how well you communicate your intent, your preparation, and your potential. With a mix of strategic learning, real-world experience, and intentional storytelling, you can confidently enter a field you didn't originally study and thrive in it. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Stable policy framework essential for growth, says Stellantis India CEO
European auto major Stellantis believes a long-term stable policy framework and its uniform roll-out across different states in India is critical for automakers to execute business plans on a long-term basis. Stellantis, which has presence in India through brands like Jeep and Citroen, feels that policy framework should work informally across the nation so that the industry is able to execute long-term business strategies. In an interaction with PTI here, Stellantis India CEO and MD Shailesh Hazela said that any investor who comes to India would like to see a little longer horizon in terms of policies. "So our wishlist for the government is that whatever they decide to put across, it should be for a longer period," Hazela stated when asked about government actions which could propel growth of Indian auto industry. It would be great if there could be uniformity in policies across the country in terms of EVs (electric vehicles) and taxation so that companies could plan nationally and not state wise, he noted. "If the government could bring uniformity, which they can, it would really enable the industry to plan in a unified and concise way," Hazela said. He cited the example of different states rolling out separate policies for electric vehicles. Hazela noted that in the past few years, the Stellantis group has created supporting infrastructure, and now it plans to scale up its presence especially for the Citroen brand. Hazela said a plan is already underway to scale up the brand's presence in the country with bolstering of sales network and new product introductions. The French automaker currently sells the C3 hatchback, the Aircross SUV, the Basalt coupe-SUV, and the electric e-C3 in the Indian market. He noted that Citroen will almost double its sales touchpoints in the next one year from around 80 to over 150, sharpening its focus on the smaller towns and semi-urban areas. "We are not sticking to one kind of format (sales touchpoints). We will have a mix of small and large ones," Hazela said. The company plans to focus on Tier III and even Tier IV markets, strategically chosen for their proximity to Tier I and Tier II cities and their potential for substantial growth. On market share aspirations, Hazela said: "We aspire to at least double our share from the last year to this year or in next 12 months, and then take it to the next number." Citroen launched its first model in India, the C5 Aircross SUV, in early 2021 and remains a small player in the over 40 lakh annual passenger vehicle market. Hazela said the brand has capability to roll out products based on multiple energy platforms and would introduce such models basis market demand. "We will continue to explore for CNG, because that's the available fuel in a sustainable way, we have our EV which will continue to grow," he added. Last year in January, Stellantis announced an additional investment of ₹2,000 crore under the Citroen brand in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. This investment will be made over a period of the next 6 years and will take the total investment in the state to Rs 3,250 crore. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Long-term policy continuity, uniformity essential for auto industry growth: Stellantis India CEO
European auto major Stellantis believes a long-term stable policy framework and its uniform roll-out across different states in India is critical for automakers to execute business plans on a long-term basis. Stellantis, which has presence in India through brands like Jeep and Citroen , feels that policy framework should work informally across the nation so that the industry is able to execute long-term business strategies. In an interaction with PTI here, Stellantis India CEO and MD Shailesh Hazela said that any investor who comes to India would like to see a little longer horizon in terms of policies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo "So our wishlist for the government is that whatever they decide to put across, it should be for a longer period," Hazela stated when asked about government actions which could propel growth of Indian auto industry. It would be great if there could be uniformity in policies across the country in terms of EVs ( electric vehicles ) and taxation so that companies could plan nationally and not state wise, he noted. Live Events "If the government could bring uniformity, which they can, it would really enable the industry to plan in a unified and concise way," Hazela said. He cited the example of different states rolling out separate policies for electric vehicles. Hazela noted that in the past few years, the Stellantis group has created supporting infrastructure, and now it plans to scale up its presence especially for the Citroen brand. Hazela said a plan is already underway to scale up the brand's presence in the country with bolstering of sales network and new product introductions. The French automaker currently sells the C3 hatchback , the Aircross SUV, the Basalt coupe-SUV, and the electric e-C3 in the Indian market. He noted that Citroen will almost double its sales touchpoints in the next one year from around 80 to over 150, sharpening its focus on the smaller towns and semi-urban areas. "We are not sticking to one kind of format (sales touchpoints). We will have a mix of small and large ones," Hazela said. The company plans to focus on Tier III and even Tier IV markets, strategically chosen for their proximity to Tier I and Tier II cities and their potential for substantial growth. On market share aspirations, Hazela said: "We aspire to at least double our share from the last year to this year or in next 12 months, and then take it to the next number." Citroen launched its first model in India, the C5 Aircross SUV , in early 2021 and remains a small player in the over 40 lakh annual passenger vehicle market. Hazela said the brand has capability to roll out products based on multiple energy platforms and would introduce such models basis market demand. "We will continue to explore for CNG , because that's the available fuel in a sustainable way, we have our EV which will continue to grow," he added. Last year in January, Stellantis announced an additional investment of Rs 2,000 crore under the Citroen brand in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu . This investment will be made over a period of the next 6 years and will take the total investment in the state to Rs 3,250 crore.
