India, July 5 -- Tech giant Microsoft on Friday announced shutting down its office in Pakistan, ending its 25-year journey in the country.

Microsoft cited global restructuring and a shift to a cloud-based, partner-led model, behind taking the decision.

The announcement was made amid Microsoft's decision to lay off 9,100 employees, or about 4 percent of its global workforce.

According to The Express Tribune report, Microsoft never operated a full commercial base in Pakistan, relying instead on liaison offices focused on enterprise, education, and government clients.

Meanwhile, former Pakistani President Arif Alvi said the shutdown of Microsoft's operation in Pakistan reflected a troubling sign for the country's economic future.

In his...