Careem to Shut Down Ride-Hailing Services in Pakistan by July 18, 2025
June 18, 2025 – Karachi:
Careem, one of Pakistan’s most recognized ride-hailing platforms, has officially announced that it will cease ride-hailing operations across the country effective July 18, 2025. The decision marks the end of nearly a decade of service in one of the company’s largest and most active markets.
Official Notification to Users
In a message shared with users, Careem thanked its loyal customer base for their continued support over the years. The company acknowledged that shutting down ride-hailing in Pakistan was a difficult but necessary move.
“If you have a remaining balance in your Careem Wallet, we’ll be in touch soon with clear instructions on how to reclaim it,” the company stated.
To ensure a smooth transition, Careem Care, the company’s customer support service, will remain operational until September 18, 2025, to assist with refunds, account queries, and other pending issues.
Why Is Careem Leaving the Ride-Hailing Market?
Careem cited intensifying competition, a challenging macroeconomic environment, and global investment priorities as the key reasons behind this exit. Competitors like Yango and inDrive have gained significant market share in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for Careem to sustain its operations.
Co-founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha shared on LinkedIn:
“This was an incredibly difficult decision. The macroeconomic reality, competition, and global capital allocation made it hard to justify the investment levels required to deliver a safe and dependable service in the country.”
A Look Back at Careem’s Journey
Careem launched its services in Pakistan in 2016, initially starting in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, coinciding with the expansion of 3G and 4G networks. Over time, it became a household name, providing millions of rides and employment opportunities across the country.
What’s Next for Careem in Pakistan?
While ride-hailing operations are ending, Careem is not leaving Pakistan entirely. The company will continue to operate Careem Technologies, a tech development unit focused on building products for the broader Middle East and South Asia region.
CEO Mudassir Sheikha confirmed that Pakistan will remain a key part of Careem’s tech ecosystem, contributing to the development of its evolving Everything App.
Conclusion
As Careem winds down its ride-hailing services in Pakistan, users are encouraged to withdraw any remaining wallet balances and reach out to customer support if needed. Though one chapter closes, Careem’s commitment to innovation in the region continues.
