Ride-hailing app Uber ceases operations across Pakistan

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Uber, the global ride-hailing service, has ceased all operations in Pakistan due to intense competition from local players, as confirmed by a spokesperson on Tuesday. The company’s subsidiary brand, Careem, will continue to offer ride-hailing services across Pakistan.

Following Uber’s acquisition of its rival Careem for $3.1 billion in 2019, both companies had pledged to maintain their independent brands and regional services.

However, Uber had already stopped its operations in Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Islamabad in 2022. It continued operating in Lahore through Careem and the Uber app.

The spokesperson stated that Uber will now focus on expanding the Careem app in Pakistan, and Uber users will need to switch to Careem as operations have ceased in Pakistan starting Tuesday. Users with remaining balances in their Uber accounts will be able to reclaim their amounts and receive free rides on Careem.

The rise of local ride-hailing and sharing apps offering competitive rates has challenged the dominance of Careem and Uber in Pakistan. Presently, In-Ride, a service allowing users to negotiate fares with drivers, has emerged as the most popular option.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow