Careem, once Pakistan most trusted ride-hailing online app, has officially end its operations on 18 July 2025. Introduced in 2016, nearly decade of helping customers move around, from daily traveling to late night other cities ride, Careem said goodbye.
Users recieved a notification from Careem official App, a heartfelt goodbye message from Careem on 18th July 2025:
“Careem services will no longer be operational in Pakistan as of 18th July 2025.”
It was emotional for many users who used and relied on Careem services for years.
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Why Careem Left Pakistan
Behind Careem Farewell in Pakistan, Reasons of leaving Pakistan are mix, some local and some global.
1. Economic Pressure & Low Returns
Pakistan economic instability made it hard for Careem to sustain its operations and be profitable. The rupee devaluation, rising inflation, and high fuel costs directly impacted profitability.
- Revenue loss due to Rupees currency depreciation
- Increasing operating expenses
- Declining margins despite strong brand loyalty
2. Global Strategy Shift
Careem is now owned by Uber, which has been gradually pulling back non core services in Pakistan. After shutting down food delivery and wallet features, the last phase was to end ride services altogether.
3. Intense Competition from New Players
Careem lost major customers share to newer platforms that were introduced in Pakistan with better promotions and discount:
- inDrive (lets users bid their own fares)
- Yango (offers zero commission rides in the launching phase)
Both of these platforms gave more flexibility to the driver and at the same time provide cheaper rides to users, something Careem was not able to do at scale.
4. Operational Challenges & Regulation
The ride hailing sector in Pakistan came with additional friction, uncertain regulatory frameworks, different city wise licensing problems, and high overhead for compliance. These issues reportedly made careem scaling more difficult.
What Careem Riders and Drivers Can Do After Shutdown
- Last ride date: 18 July 2025
- Wallet refunds: Instructions will be shared in-app before complete shutdown
- Customer support: Available until 18 September 2025 for complaint resolution and remaining queries
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Careem Alternatives for Drivers and Riders
- inDrive (Active in most cities in Pakistan)
- Yango (Growing expontionally, offers low fares and commission-free model as of now)
- Bykea Motorbike based ride and delivery services for local)
- Uber (Lahore only)
Read About Yango in Pakistan
What to Do If You Have Balance in Careem Pay
If you have money left in Careem Pay wallet, here’s what to do:
Careem Pay (global version) support transfers to bank accounts or mobile wallets in some countries. But for Pakistani users, the feature is not available and currently unclear. Many have reported Careem support stating refunds cannot be sent to Pakistani bank accounts.
One affected user posted on a local customer support group, saying:
“My balance in careem wallet has become unusable. Careem support says it can’t be refunded to my bank in Pakistan, which is unfair.”
How to Withdraw Money from Careem Pay
- If you have Careem Pay credit in your account, you may not be able to withdraw it to your bank or mobile wallet directly.
- Careem has stated they will send in-app instructions on how to reclaim funds by mid-July
- Review those instructions carefully, options may include using balance before shutdown or claiming via in-app form/support.
Important: If you have credit in Careem wallet, keep checking app for any notification. After July 18, only limited support will be available till September.
Final Thoughts on Careem Exit of Pakistan
Careem exit marks the end of an era. What began as a startup which transformed into a national name, got millions of customers. Whether it was to go to work, geting groceries, or quick drop to airport, Careem was part of daily life.
It is also a reminder to us all of how fast the new tech landscape shifts. Users will move to new and alternative platforms.
Umer Kureshi is the Lead Administrator with a strong background in technology and digital marketing. As the Lead Administrator, and Writer at Pakera.pk, Umer manages the website operations, optimizes website content and writes engaging guides on technology and current events happening in Pakistan.
Currently, Umer is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Management Studies from Government College University, Lahore. Umer combines his academic insight, knowledge, and critical thinking with practical experience to give impactful results. Umer also contributes to Xfilink Pvt Ltd as the Lead Writer of Content Writers Team and to Technology Elevation, where he looks over affiliate marketing, web design, technical writing and proofreading.
In his free time, Umer stays active and energetic by regularly participating in sports and outdoor activities, combining his athletic spirit with a passion for staying sharp and focused.
