Careem to Suspend Pakistan Operations on July 18 Amid Economic Challenges

Careem, the Middle East-based ride-hailing app owned by Uber, has announced it will suspend its Pakistan service on July 18. The decision comes after nearly a decade of operation since its launch in 2015, marking the end of its core business in the country.

Co-founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha cited economic difficulties, rising competition, and capital constraints as key reasons behind the move. He highlighted that the challenging macroeconomic environment, combined with global shifts in capital allocation, made continued investment unsustainable.

This development reflects broader pressures on Pakistan’s digital economy, where tech firms are scaling back operations due to high inflation, weakening consumer demand, and tighter international funding.

Careem played a pioneering role in introducing app-based transport services in Pakistan, and its exit signals a significant shift in the country’s ride-hailing landscape.

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