In a major development for Pakistan’s tech ecosystem, Careem has announced it will be discontinuing its ride-hailing services in the country effective July 18, 2025. The announcement was made by Careem CEO Mudassir Sheikha via a heartfelt LinkedIn post, calling the decision “incredibly difficult” but necessary due to growing economic pressures, fierce competition, and global investment shifts.

“This marks the end of an iconic chapter — one built with purpose, grit, and relentless hustle,” wrote Sheikha, reflecting on Careem’s decade-long journey in Pakistan.

Launched in 2015, Careem played a transformative role in shaping Pakistan’s digital mobility landscape. The platform not only introduced app-based ride-hailing to the masses but also enabled thousands of job opportunities, especially for captains (drivers), and helped normalize digital payments and tech-driven transport solutions in urban centers.

Sheikha also recalled cultural and societal hurdles — particularly skepticism around women commuting with strangers via apps — that Careem overcame with the help of its “brilliant and fearless” Pakistan team.

“They did not just build a service that millions of Pakistanis relied on to move and earn,” he noted. “They laid the foundation for digital infrastructure, regulatory reform, trust in tech platforms, and broader startup confidence.”

The exit mirrors a growing trend of pullbacks from emerging markets by global tech firms. Uber, which acquired Careem’s regional operations in 2020, had already exited Pakistan in 2022. The pressures of high inflation, declining consumer spending, and a sharp drop in venture capital since 2022 have significantly challenged Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. High-profile players like Airlift, Swvl, VavaCars, and Truck It In have either shut down or scaled back.

Globally, ride-hailing giants such as Uber, Lyft, and Grab are also shifting focus toward sustainable markets and diversified services like food delivery, fintech, and logistics, retreating from regions where profitability remains out of reach.

Careem will continue operating in other parts of the Middle East and North Africa, where it sees stronger long-term potential. As Pakistan bids farewell to one of its earliest tech pioneers, the announcement underscores the harsh realities of scaling digital ventures in volatile markets — and the resilience required to adapt.

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Careem, Pakistan’s first ride-hailing service, recently announced a huge cut in commission rates imposed to Captains, bringing them to an all-time low. From May 15, 2022, Careem will operate in Islamabad with a 0% commission charge model for GO and GO-MINI car types, allowing Captains to keep 100% of their earnings.

Given the country’s difficult economic situation and rising prices, our initiative aims to provide well-deserved relaxation to the hard-working Captains in their everyday tasks. Careem has taken another important step toward becoming one of the most dependable, trustworthy, and economical ride-hailing systems in the country.

“We believe in going the extra mile for Captains since they are vital to our aim of simplifying and improving people’s lives,” Feroz Jaleel, Country Head, Careem Pakistan, said on the occasion.

“We take pride in our capacity to serve as a pillar of support for them, ensuring that things stay on track.” The decision to reduce commission fees was made to guarantee that those who rely on us may maintain their livelihoods in difficult times while still progressing toward a successful future,” he added.

Careem has always been at the forefront of developing activities aimed at improving the Captains’ quality of life. Careem is dedicated to delivering safe, secure, reliable, and cheap transportation to its customers, with a network of over 800,000 registered Captains across Pakistan. Careem has evolved into a one-stop solution for commuting, meals, delivery, cell top-ups, and payments after beginning as a Super App.

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Careem, the Super App for the Middle East and Pakistan, has expanded its corporate portfolio ‘Careem for Business’ (C4B) by partnering with Engro Corporation, a leading Pakistani conglomerate, to provide secure and hassle-free mobility solutions for Engro’s female employees.

As part of Engro’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, our collaboration aims to make it easier for women to get to and from work. Women at Engro who are not eligible for a car benefit will be given a monthly spend allowance of Rs 15,000 on the Careem account interface as part of the agreement. Engro has implemented a number of policies and procedures to promote a gender diverse and inclusive leadership pipeline, workforce, and culture. Maternity and paternity leaves, as well as daycare solutions, are among these initiatives.

Careem is stepping up its efforts to reduce commute problems for corporate employees across the country, with the objective of offering safe, comfortable, and economical trips to individuals.

“The availability of secure, convenient, and inexpensive transportation remains one of the most common impediments to the integration of women at the workplace,” said Rizwan Masood Raja, Chief People Officer of Engro Corporation, speaking at the signing ceremony. Our collaboration with Careem aims to address this issue, and it perfectly complements Engro’s efforts to encourage digitization and diversity and inclusion.”

“As part of our diligent efforts to transform the conventional mobility ecosystem and simplify the lives of people, especially for women and other critical segments of society, we are delighted to bring Engro Corporation on board with this partnership,” said Feroz Jaleel, Country Head, Careem Pakistan. We are constantly growing our portfolio to provide our business and individual customers with the greatest quality of service as well as safe, secure, and hassle-free commuting options.”

Careem For Business (C4B) is a Careem corporate division that offers a variety of different features in its customised mobility solutions, such as spend control by setting departmental limits, user management options to add/remove users, postpaid credit facility, intercity/full-day travel, and various billing options such as MIS reports, monthly billing, and so on. Similarly, corporate clients enjoy benefits such as dedicated account managers, highest-ranking Captains (Gold, VIP, and Careem tiers), priority & backup fleets, pooling model, scheduled pick-ups/drop-offs, 24/7 corporate care, a diverse range of car types, and a slew of safety features such as live ride-tracking, in-ride insurance, and so on.

Careem’s C4B portfolio includes over 4,500 companies and over 11 million corporate travels per year. Deloitte, JS Bank, Nestlé, Mckinsey, Bain, Boston Consulting Group, Jazz Pakistan, Vodafone Egypt, Etisalat Group, Huawei KSA, Afiniti, Gerry’s, Sapphire, Aramco, Daraz, ICI Pakistan, and K-Electric are just a few of the organisations involved.

On its platform, Careem has approximately 9 million customers, 0.8 million captains, and 3,000 merchants. Since its debut in Pakistan in 2016, it has invested up to $100 million. Careem, which is transforming into a Super App, is a multi-service platform that provides ride-hailing, food, delivery, and payment services

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Careem recently announced a $25 million investment in Pakistan to simplify and improve Captains’ and Customers’ experiences. Feroz Jaleel, Country Head of Careem Pakistan, made the announcement at the Sitara-e-Careem Award ceremony, where the top-performing Captains were recognised for their hard work, devotion, and commitment.

Senior executives from Careem and JS Bank attended the award ceremony in Karachi to honour the highest performing Captains who went above and beyond to make customers’ life easier. The Captains can benefit from subsidised car loans through the Kamyan Jawan initiative, according to representatives from JS Bank.

“Careem has always been at the forefront of enhancing the lives of its Captains as they are at the heart of what we do at Careem,” Feroz Jaleel said during the ceremony. I’d like to take this time to congratulate all of the Captains for their devotion, hard work, and commitment.”

“Pakistan is Careem’s greatest market,” he continued. We’ve put over $100 million into ride-hailing, food, delivery, and payments in the previous six years, and we’ll keep investing.”

“Great event arranged by Careem to honour their top Captains,” said Atif Salim Malik, Group Head, Retail Banking, JS Bank. I’m looking forward to JS Bank’s extended relationship with Careem under JS Kamyab Jawan, which will allow more Captains to benefit financially.”

Captain economy were damaged due to decreased mobility as a result of the outbreak and increasing gasoline prices. Extra bonuses for Captains have been reinstated by Careem, with special incentives targeted at Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Captains will be able to earn up to PKR 170,000 thanks to the new rewards, which will allow them to earn up to 31% more than their primary salary. Careem has also decreased its commissions in the bike category from 25% to 15% in order to help Captain earn more money.

On its platform, Careem has approximately 9 million customers, 0.8 million captains, and 3000+ merchants. Careem, which is transforming into a Super App, is a multi-service platform that provides ride-hailing, food, delivery, and payment services.

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Ride-sharing company Careem conducted a pilot exercise on Thursday to deliver food orders via drones in Lahore and Karachi.

Pakistan’s drone meal delivery service first appeared in a video posted on Careem’s official Twitter and other social media. The video showed a white drone flying over Karachi.

The pilot project only ran for one day in Lahore and Karachi on June 10, and the number was limited. The company stated in a statement to Profit Pakistan that the research was conducted to analyze and determine whether Pakistan’s services can be extended to a new level.

“Once we have reached a feasibility conclusion and are confident in extending the project to the next stage, our goal is to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals/permits under the law when needed,” the publication quoted Careem as saying.

Careem’s mission is to simplify and improve lives through effective technology. Our brand does not shy away from doing things creatively and standing out. Our team is constantly innovating and experimenting with new ways to motivate and serve our customers; drone delivery pilots are an example”, the statement added.

Careem also posted a video on Twitter showing how some customers are doing Receive food via drone on June 10.

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Uber in talks with Careem to merge in Middle East

Uber Technologies is discussing with competitor Careem to merge their Middle Eastern ride-hailing services, in order to “resolve a costly rivalry” as Uber prepares for a public offering next year, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

Companies have discussed potential deal structures but could not finalize the deal yet. There are several proposed arrangements, including one in which Careem’s leadership would continue to manage day-to-day operations of the combined business. As an other option, Uber is considering full acquisition of Careem.

“Our ambition is to build a lasting institution for the region and that means focusing on growth into new markets and doubling down on our existing cities to open our platform up to new products and services. We are only getting started,”

said Careem spokesperson Maha Abouelenein.

Uber spokes person denied to comment on the report. Careem did not confirm or deny the report when contacted by Reuters.

The ride-hailing app of Dubai is a heavy-hitter in the Middle East and North Africa, operating in over 70 cities across 10 countries including Pakistan. It is the number one ride-hailing app in many of these countries and is in talks with investors to raise $500 million, reports Bloomberg, which could put the company’s value at about $1.5 billion.

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Careem is the Pakistan’s largest ride hailing service which has extended its services in many cities of Pakistan.

Careem has introduced female captain program for women drivers on its captain batch to empower women. Named it #HerJourne.

Now, Careem Pakistan has hired more female drivers in the cities to ensure a safer ride for women.

According to the statistics provided by the company itself, 70% of the Careem users are female. Thus, Careem wants to introduce 1000 female drivers by last month of this year.

Careem made this announcement via Facebook saying:

Last year in December, Careem started a women empowerment program under the name of #MainHoonAzad. Careem is determined to provide the women a safe and comforting journey so the women who want to work can easily be financially independent without any problems of traveling.

The Managing Director of Careem Pakistan,  Junaid Iqbal said,

“Initially, we thought we should have an exclusive women service but that would not have been logistically possible. Instead, why not women driving men around,”

Just a few months ago, the ride hailing service has introduced an amazing initiative for women of Pakistan.  Now Careem is planning to empower 100, 000 women across Pakistan. The partners of the company will show full collaboration to facilitate women in business field.

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Careem is one of the largest ride hailing services in Pakistan. On Wednesday the notification popped on the screen of Careem customers saying, “Your Rishta has arrived!“

The email received by the users  was something like,  ‘Bas kar forever alone ka naara, ab status hoga ‘taken’ tumhara.’

The email confirmed that Careem will now provide the halal way of fining the best match for you. The ride will have a rishta aunty  with you by your side. The best part is that you can afford it on your own as it costs you nothing.

Here’s what Careem has to say about this whole deed,

“As a 24 year old in Karachi, it is difficult to dodge questions about marriage. When are you breaking the good news, beta? Are you going to wait until your Masters to get married? If you get married at 30, when are you going to have children? If your answer is yes to any of the above then chances are you are familiar with a desi institution: the rishta aunty.

Marriage bureaus, dating sites, and professional matchmakers have been known to all cultures familiar with the institution of marriage, but rishta aunties are almost exclusively a south Asian phenomenon. It is interesting how the figure of the rishta aunty is as ubiquitous in the culture of the subcontinent as is a doctor, or a lawyer.

You know her when you see her: gregarious and chatty, her phone is full of pictures of 20-something men and women, and her eyes dart around searching for eligible bachelors and bachelorette. She has a knack for knowing with a single glance if you are single, looking for potential matches, married, or divorced along with family income and DNA structure.”

Kanwal says,  ‘Rishta aunties in some communities are pretty much the only way to get married. They take up the practice as a profession and have rates according to their expertise, experience, and network. Kanwal tells us that aunties earn up to 200,000 rupees in commission if they broker a deal. Additionally, rishta aunties are entitled to precious jewelry, clothes, and sometimes even motorbikes and cars.”

Careem is known for its quality services towards the travelling and ride hailing. This two days campaign is for all those who are finding their soul mate. Rember that Careem is already providing wedding services with the name of “Careem Shaadi“.

Careem on its app has introduced the rishta aunty type car and thus when you open your Careem app it will give you an option to book a rishta aunty car type and then you will be accompanied by rishta aunty with a lot of good advice and that too free of cost.

Want a life partner? Open Careem app!

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Daewoo ride hailing app launches to compete Uber and Careem

Gone are the days you would have to hail your hands and wait for a Rickshaw to stop. The booking of Cars nowadays is a matter of a click. With Uber and Careem competing over the customers, a new yet so familiar name has appeared on the scenes.

Daewoo imitates Nokia. Both went up soaring into success but with an imminent decline. Premium Daewoo Cab service would control the monopoly of transport then but with the rise of caand Uber, has been reduced to wilderness of its glory.

Struck by the desire to reclaim its glory Daewoo has returned with an App that, for now, spreads its wings in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad and even Sukkur. The residents of Karachi would avail Rs.300 off their first ride by using Promo code: DAEWOOFIRST.

Daewoo Cab App appears to be a simpler version of either Careem or Uber, using just 6MB of space while both the latter rank up over 30MB. The animations are simple which may act in its favour. It however appears as Daewoo aims at utilizing all its luxury on road!

Aiming for the inclination of Upper Class, Daewoo costs twice that of Uber or Careem. You can pay through Easy Paisa, Debit/Credit Card and some other payment options.

You must sign up or sign in for the first attempt. Google Map has been integrated for fare collection and the app even shows your travel history. Better hide it from your parents!

Download the App:

• Download Daewoo App on Android
• Download Daewoo App on iOS

Daewoo aims at the Upper Class of Pakistan society, providing luxury cars and charging higher than either Careem or Uber. Ironically the Upper Class is never short of Cars.

With such limited genre, stiff competition, and higher rates the future of Daewoo seems uncertain, in my book to say the least. But time unfolds unheard mysteries! Who knows, you may be reading contents on how a creative idea brought about regeneration of Daewoo Cab Service, in short space of time.

Daewoo Cab Screenshots

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Ride hailing service Careem fires captains involved in fraudulent activities

Careem is the large name in ride hailing services not only in Pakistan but all across Asia. The service has been famous for its efficient services in hailing cabs.

There were rumors that the captains were involved in activities that were not allowed in the rule book. This came under cheating the company and dodging the policy. The rumors were confirmed by the officials at Careem. They told in their statement that large number of captains has seen their punishment for dodging the company in the shape of getting fired.

The captains at Careem were ditching the company in sense that they would book the rides themselves and try to meet the target. Once the target is met, the company owed them a bonus. They surely played a double benefit game. The company offered the captains bonuses on weekly, monthly and yearly target accomplishment.

The reports says,

“These captains had found a way of manipulating the system by going into deserted areas such as city outskirts — where chances of other captains on service are usually less — and then booking a ride (from other than their primary smart phone). This way, the same captain used to get the same ride that they had booked themselves.”

The very clever game was only played when only few rides were remaining for completing a specific target so that bonus could be bagged. Yes, this was not a daily game but happened occasionally.

Bogus rides were also booked by the captains when they were away from house of work place. In order to reach the home or workplace back they would book the fake rides to travel back home or to work place. This way they could get home and make money by bonuses.

The sources say,

“Careem’s fraud detection system — they call it Sherlock — was quick to identify such ghost rides and some 374 captains were flagged who were found involved in manipulating the system.”

Careem has always chosen the best men for services and have trained them about their job. These captains too were warned about the breaking of rules and punishment.

A source says that about 50 captains were fired and their IDs were blocked. Now these captains won’t be able to work with any such ride-hailing company. Other captains who were found guilty were fined. Their bonuses were reserved and they were allowed to work with last warning being given.

Update:

The authorities at Careem shared the response regarding the initiative with the media. In their view,

“Careem believes in fair play and just rewards for our Captains. There is no tolerance for fraudulent practices which people use to try and deceive us.

Fraud is a crime and they are only harming themselves as Careem’s systems are very good at picking up suspicious activities.

It’s unfortunate that people resort to unfair means to make a bit of money, they only end up spoiling it for themselves as Careem can block them permanently and penalize them.”

Our news source ProPakistan have got a hand on the screen-grab that shows that captains were involved in the acts that should not be done. We are sharing with you those pictures form Careem’s fraud detection software.

Have a look:

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