Careem has announced it will stop offering ride services in the country starting July 18, 2025. The company’s CEO and co-founder, Mudassir Sheikha, confirmed the news through a heartfelt message on LinkedIn.
The decision comes after nearly a decade of operations in Pakistan, where Careem had become a trusted name in urban transportation. Sheikha said the move was driven by economic challenges, increasing competition and difficulty in justifying ongoing investment to maintain a safe and reliable service.
“It wasn’t easy,” he said, as he reflected on the company’s journey and the impact it had on people’s lives from providing job opportunities to introducing digital payment solutions and offering women safer travel options.
Despite halting its ride-hailing service, Careem is not completely leaving the country. The company will continue its operations in Pakistan through Careem Technologies, the division focused on building a broader “Everything App” that includes food and grocery delivery, payments, and more.
Currently, around 400 employees are working on this tech platform and Careem plans to expand further by hiring over 100 more people. Pakistan will remain an important part of Careem’s global strategy as the company continues to invest in local talent and innovation.
Careem had first launched in Pakistan in 2015 and its journey brought major changes to the way people moved around cities. The suspension marks the end of a key chapter but also the beginning of a new one focused on technology and digital services.
This news follows Uber’s exit from Pakistan in 2024 when it handed over its ride-hailing operations to Careem. Now, with Careem Rides shutting down as well, Pakistan’s ride-hailing landscape faces a major shift while Careem’s story in the country enters a new phase.
