Uber ceases operation in Pakistan

Ride-haling giant Uber has ceased its operation in Pakistan, the company spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.

“We’ve made the decision to cease operating the Uber app in Pakistan,” he told Dawn.com.

“Our subsidiary brand Careem will continue to operate, with the Careem app offering ride-hailing services across Pakistan and earning opportunities for drivers,” he added.

The ride-haling giant acquired rival Careem for $3.1 billion back in 2019.

The two companies had said they would continue to operate their respective regional services and independent brands.

In October 2022, there operations were ceased in Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Islamabad.

It had shifted to Careem in aforementioned cities and continued to operate via Uber app in Lahore.

However, today in an email sent to Lahore users, Uber said it had made the “difficult decision to no longer offer the Uber app services in Lahore as of April 30”.

“Ride-hailing services will continue to be offered through our subsidiary brand Careem and you will have the option to sign up and request a trip on Careem to have a seamless experience,” the email read.

“In light of this, Careem Rides may reach out to you to check in and sign up. Please fill the form provided below by May 3, 2024 if you do not want your details to be shared with Careem.

“If you currently hold Uber Cash balance in your Uber Wallet, we will be communicating with you in due course on the process for reclaiming your Uber Cash balance,” it said as users were also offered a 50 per cent discount on five rides with Careem.

Users who tried to access the app received the message: “Uber no longer in Lahore”.

They were also told they could use Careem to avail 50 per cent off on five rides with code LHR50.