Microsoft’s decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a troubling sign for our economic future. I vividly recall February 2022, when Bill Gates visited my office. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I had the honor of conferring the Hilal-e-Imtiaz on him for his remarkable contributions to polio eradication in our country. As we sat in the lawn outside my office, our conversation spanned fascinating topics like AI, Quantum computing, gut microbiomes, longevity, and more. During our discussion, I asked him directly, “Why isn’t Microsoft investing in Pakistan?” He leaned in, sharing in confidence that he had just spoken with PM Imran Khan and arranged a call between the PM and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. In a hushed tone, he asked me to keep it quiet, revealing that “all is set and within two months, the PM and I will announce a major Microsoft investment in Pakistan.” But then, everything went rapidly downhill. Regime change upended those plans, and the promise of investment slipped away. By October 2022, Microsoft chose Vietnam for its expansion, a decision in which they had initially favored Pakistan. The opportunity was lost. Pakistan now spirals in a whirlpool of uncertainty. There is increasing joblessness, our talent is migrating abroad, purchasing power has reduced, economic recovery in the 'awami' context feels like a distant & elusive dream. The only path forward is through political dialogue among stakeholders. Public opinion, as many know, reflects deep disillusionment with the electoral process. Yet, a vast majority still believes that dialogue is the only way to navigate this crisis. آگے اللہ مالک ہے۔ نبی ﷺ کے صدقے انکی امت پر رحم کی دعا ہے۔