Microsoft has disowned the allegations made by an employee at a workshop in Islamabad that foreign firms are reluctant to invest in the country because of Pakistani leaders’ “hunger for kickbacks”.

In a clarification to a news item: Microsoft seeks environment for investment”, carried by Dawn in its Friday edition, Country General Manager Kamal Ahmed said: “Microsoft rejects the substance and the implication of the statement made by an employee regarding the investment climate in Pakistan. We are investigating the situation and will take appropriate internal action. Microsoft remains committed to Pakistan and looks forward to continued partnership and investment in the country.”