Pakistan

Uber suspends operations in major Pakistani cities, while its subsidiary Careem continues to provide ride-hailing services across the country, offering drivers a seamless transition and maintaining a robust presence in 10 key urban centers.

In a recent development, multinational transportation giant Uber has announced the suspension of its operations in Pakistan. As reported by Geo News, the decision marks a strategic shift for the company, with its subsidiary brand Careem set to carry on providing ride-hailing services across the country.

The move comes after Uber's earlier decision in 2022 to scale back its operations in Pakistan, limiting services exclusively to Lahore. Now, Uber has opted to cease its app-based services in major cities including Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Islamabad.

Uber's acquisition of Careem for USD 3.1 billion in March 2019 laid the groundwork for this transition. While Careem became a wholly owned subsidiary of Uber, it retained its independent branding, services, and separate app.

For drivers previously associated with Uber, the transition offers an opportunity to seamlessly integrate into Careem's platform. They have the option to sign up for Careem Rides and continue their independent transportation businesses without disruption.

The decision aligns with Uber's global growth strategy, focusing on markets where sustainable growth opportunities exist. In collaboration with Careem Rides teams, Uber aims to minimize any adverse impact on drivers accustomed to using the Uber app.

Presently, Careem operates in 10 cities across Pakistan, namely Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, Abbottabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Quetta. This extensive network underscores Careem's commitment to providing reliable transportation solutions to communities nationwide.

As Uber recalibrates its operations in Pakistan, Careem stands poised to meet the evolving needs of passengers and drivers alike. With its established presence and continued dedication to service excellence, Careem remains a vital player in the country's transportation landscape.