In a surprising move, ride-hailing giant Careem has declared it will discontinue all services in Pakistan from July 18, 2025, marking the end of its nearly decade-long presence in the country. The Dubai-based company made the announcement through an emotional social media post, expressing gratitude to Pakistani customers and “captains” (drivers) for their loyalty since its 2016 launch. This decision comes as a shock to Pakistan’s tech ecosystem where Careem had become synonymous with urban mobility, pioneering cashless payments and revolutionizing transportation in major cities. The exit raises immediate concerns for thousands of drivers who relied on the platform as their primary income source, with many taking to social media to share stories of financial uncertainty. Industry analysts suggest Careem’s withdrawal may be linked to Pakistan’s challenging economic climate, including currency devaluation and operational cost surges. While competitors like inDriver and local services remain operational, passengers are already reporting fare increases and reduced availability in some areas. The shutdown leaves a significant gap in Pakistan’s digital economy, where Careem had expanded beyond rides to include food delivery (Careem NOW) and digital payments. As offices begin winding down operations, many are reflecting on how the platform transformed Pakistan’s transportation landscape – from introducing ride-hailing concepts to creating employment opportunities for over 500,000 people during its peak. The coming weeks will reveal how the market adapts to this sudden vacuum in mobility solutions.
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