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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This week, Uber delivered some good news to Islamabad’s drivers. Uber drivers in the capital city will no longer have to pay Uber a share of their fare profits because the extensively used ride-hailing service has totally eliminated service costs.

An official email confirmed the news, confirming that the raid-hailing service had removed service costs on ride fairs. Previously, truckers had to pay a service fee of 25%. However, now that the fixed rate has been dropped to 0%, drivers can pocket the entire fare.

Even better, there are no requirements attached to this adjustment, which means that drivers are automatically eligible. From now on, drivers will simply receive more money from fares.

The modification will take effect on May 15, 2022.This will not only help to keep employees loyal, but it may also attract new Uber drivers. This could help with driver unavailability or peak times when clients are asking for transportation.

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Uber is moving forward with its plan to become a “superapp” for travel. The San Francisco-based company announced on Wednesday that it will expand its U.K. app this year to include trains, buses, planes, and car rentals. The move is part of a pilot programme that, if successful, could be expanded to other countries in the future.

While Uber will not supply these services, consumers will be able to book them through its app thanks to software partnerships with ticketing systems. The tech giant, which may take a share of each booking, has stated that it will reveal a number of partners in the coming months.

The connections, according to Uber, would assist increase app usage among its customers in the United Kingdom, who also have the option of utilising applications like Bolt and Free Now. Outside of the United States, the United Kingdom is one of Uber’s most important markets.

Uber’s UK head, Jamie Heywood, said in a statement that the company aspires to be “a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs.” “For a lot of years, you’ve been able to book rides, bikes, boat services, and scooters via the Uber app,” he explained. “Adding trains and coaches is a natural evolution.”

“Later this year, we plan to incorporate flights, and in the future, hotels,” he said, adding that “leading partners will be integrated into the Uber app to provide a seamless door-to-door travel experience.”

Uber also intends to allow users to purchase Eurostar train tickets using its app. The Channel Tunnel allows passengers to travel from London to Paris and other places via Eurostar. The statement comes on the heels of Uber’s recent victory.

Uber was granted a 30-month license to operate in London on March 26, putting an end to a protracted legal struggle with municipal officials over whether the ride-hailing service was “fit and suitable.”
However, the company’s aspirations for a “superapp” are behind schedule. Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, stated in 2018 that he wants to expand the app’s transportation alternatives.

“It’s fair to say Covid slowed us down a little bit,” Heywood reportedly told The Financial Times. Uber’s stock was down 1.6 percent to $34.40 in premarket trade  on Wednesday.

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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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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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Uber is considered one of the leading ride-hailing service. According to the latest news the CEO of Uber stepped down from the post. Mr. Travis Kalanick was the founder member of Uber.

When Uber was first introduced in 2009, he became the CEO. The decision was the result of the “shareholder revolt”. According to the media some of the most important and prominent investors revolted against the CEO.

A spokes person from Uber confirmed to the media that Uber Founder Mr. Kalanick stepped down from the post.

According to the report, “Five of the Ubers most prominent share holders, including Benchmark, wrote a letter titled “Moving Uber Forward,” which recommended that the CEO step aside immediately.”

As a result Uber Founder Kalanick agreed to resign from the post.

While talking to media, Kalanick said, .

“I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight.”

When asked about further details on the resigning the board told the media that Kalanick will continue to be a part of Uber’s board of directors.

According to the board,

“Travis has always put Uber first. This is a bold decision and a sign of his devotion and love for Uber.  By stepping away, he’s taking the time to heal from his personal tragedy while giving the company room to fully embrace this new chapter in Uber’s history. We look forward to continuing to serve with him on the board.”

After former Attorney General Eric Holder reported  about Uber’s toxic company culture last week, Uber Founder Kalanick decides to take a leave of absence from the company.

Kalanick gave the reason of his resigning in the letter to his employees. He stated,

“I need to take some time off of the day-to-day to grieve my mother, whom I buried on Friday, to reflect, to work on myself, and to focus on building out a world-class leadership team.”

The places of  CEO, COO, CFO, CMO and a host of other critical high-level positions  are empty, following months of seemingly endless executive departures.

The decision came as the result of revolt that was initiated by shareholders because of increasing controversies in Uber.

The controversies such as sexual harassment and discrimination in the company were the most important factor that led to this resignation. When the investigation was carried out on such issues about 20 employees were fired.

This is evident that shareholders were mindful of all these activities and thus wanted to stop the controversy by changing the administration.

At the point Uber needs to be more stable because of tough competition by Careem and other ride-hailing services. Such steps are taken to lead the team to success.

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Uber, a ride-hailing service that has always been in news for one reason or another. Recently, the ride-hailing service has partnered with Seed Out, a micro financing platform.

The partnership was finalized on 22nd February, 2017 and it aims to create a platform for job opportunities in Pakistan. It will do so by introducing 50 Seed Out rickshaws on Uber application. These 50 rickshaws have been given to the people of poor families so that they could earn their bread and butter.

The partnership was signed at an event and was signed by GM Uber Pakistan Safee Shah and Seed Out.

GM Safee Shah took the stage of launch event to say

“At Uber we are convinced that innovation and technology enables everyone to get around and makes cities better places to live, with a safe, affordable and reliable ride, at the push of a button with uberGO and uberAuto. We are proud of the great impact we have for riders, drivers and cities in Pakistan, taking very seriously our responsibility to contribute to the country and its citizens.”

He further added,

“With collaboration like that of Seed Out we aim to do more in order to contribute to the hardworking and deserving people of Pakistan”.

Uber Pakistan is a successful ride hailing service that is successfully running in 573 cities of six continents. Back in 2015, it was launched for the first time in Pakistan.

Seed Out is a micro finance online funding program that aims to create job opportunities and child education.

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Women should be respected. Where we women are exceeding in many fields they are also facing harassment problem in offices.

Recently Uber was accused for sexual harassment and negligence of HR by one of the formal employee. After the accusation the CEO of Uber has taken quick notice and has ordered an immediate investigation.

Susan Fowler, as per claimed by her, was a victim of sexual harassment at Uber office. She worked there as the reliability engineer. She wrote on her blog post that on the very first day of her office she was sexually harassed by senior official.

The senior official tried to solicit her during a message conversation. She took the screenshots and sent them to HR. HR neglected the issue and refused to take action saying that he was a senior member and ‘they wouldn’t feel comfortable punishing him for what was probably just an innocent mistake on his part.”

Moreover, she was suggested either to quit or get a transfer. She was also told to stay in the team. After lot of problems she got transferred to a new branch but unfortunately the place she got transferred to was even more notorious for such acts. She heard more stories of assault by women.

In her blog post she wrote,

“When I joined Uber, the organization I was part of was over 25% women. By the time I was trying to transfer to another eng organization, this number had dropped down to less than 6%. Women were transferring out of the organization, and those who couldn’t transfer were quitting or preparing to quit.

There were two major reasons for this: there was the organizational chaos, and there was also the sexism within the organization. When I asked our director at an org all-hands about what was being done about the dwindling numbers of women in the org compared to the rest of the company, his reply was, in a nutshell, that the women of Uber just needed to step up and be better engineers.”

The CEO of Uber, Travis Kalanick, immediately took notice. He didn’t remain silent and commented on the matter. According to him,

“I have just read Susan Fowler’s blog. What she describes is abhorrent and against everything Uber stands for and believes in. It’s the first time this has come to my attention so I have instructed Liane Hornsey our new Chief Human Resources Officer to conduct an urgent investigation into these allegations. We seek to make Uber a just workplace and there can be absolutely no place for this kind of behavior at Uber — and anyone who behaves this way or thinks this is OK will be fired.”

Already back in 2015, Uber was accused for rape and they got there license ceased in India. The organization has received many complaints about the drivers and till date the officials seem to be idle. Lets see either the action will be taken against such people or the words are just meant to be written on paper.

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After a lot of effort by Chairman PITB, Umar Saif and his conversation with authorities, now finally Punjab government has said that ride-hailing services are not suspended and that the matter will be resolved with-in next 15 days.

Chairman of the Punjab IT board Umar Saif said to a news source,

Uber and Careem currently do not pay tax in Pakistan, Punjab government is tackling the issue with an “innovative business model”.

Are these ride-hailing apps Uber, Careem and A-One are illegal? This is what the government of Punjab has declared yesterday.

Under the title of “Illegal Operations of private cars as taxi under the umbrella of Careem, Uber and A-One cab service in Lahore” a notice was issued by Punjab Provincial Transport Authority to the Chief Traffic Officer, Lahore, and CEO Lahore Transport Company.

Today after government lift the ban, Chairman of Punjab IT Board Umair Saif said;

“We are coming up with a formal policy. This letter was an internal memo and has prematurely been made public.”

He further said to a news source;

“We don’t want to treat them as a taxi service, But they need to be regulated and taxed. They must register as a formal business under a new taxation regime.”

Uber started its operation in Pakistan in 2016.  Uber is US-based transportation company that expanded its services to other parts of Pakistan. Since then it has provided its best services like Uber cab and Uber Auto. The rides are booked by mobile apps.

Careem is another ride-hailing service that is a UAE-based service along taxi services that offers Tezz Rickshaw Service in Pakistan.

Last year in November, Bank of Punjab and Uber signed MoU, which aimed to bring over 50,000 green cab and yellow cab customers on Uber platform. Government of Punjab has also been in deal with Uber for Apna Rozgar Scheme.

Junaid Iqbal the MD of Careem went live on Facebook and there he said,

“We are in talks with Government about the issue. No specific regulations have been formed yet about ride-hailing, which is a new kind of technology. Many countries are amending and introducing new guidelines for ride-hailing like in India, Saudi Arabia etc.”

Punjab govt said that they want to bring ride-hailing services in tax net.

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Careem, a ride-hailing service which is running successfully in Pakistan has done successful experiments on providing customers with something new and convenient. Like economy, business and Wi-Fi cars now Careem is gearing up to launch Tezz. Tezz is a new Rickshaw Service initiative by Careem. Before Careem, Uber already launched Rickshaw Service in Karachi.

Rickshaw are part of every city and is a cultural ride in Pakistan. Careem will give it a new touch of rate and comfort.
The project starts today in Karachi and Lahore. Careem aims to expand this in other cities too.

The rates are quite reasonable. According to news Tezz will charge a base rate Rs. 60 and a minimum fare of Rs. 75. It will be available to limited users.

Junaid Iqbal who is the MD of Careem Pakistan said,

“Rickshaws are the transport lifeline for Pakistan’s urban populace. They operate out of stands, which makes for highly inefficient dispatching. We are doing a pilot project to see how well our technology can help accentuate the incomes of rickshaw drivers and provide a more economical option for commuters, woven with the ease that our technology provides.”

He further added,

“Careem will not compromise on the quality service that everyone loves. All Careem Captains will undergo thorough background checks and customer service trainings while all Tezz vehicles will be inspected as well.”

Careem is trying its best to facilitate its users and it is also successfully doing that. Wait and watch what’s next!

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