Careem, which used to be one of the most trusted ride-hailing and delivery platforms in Pakistan, has now announced that it’s shutting down operations across the country by 18th July 2025. This sudden decision has left a lot of users wondering: what actually went wrong?
Why is Careem Shutting Down in Pakistan?
Careem hasn’t shared one solid reason for exiting, but looking at the current situation in the country, a few strong reasons can be guessed:
1. Economic Pressure
The economy in Pakistan hasn’t been stable lately. Fuel prices are too high, inflation just keeps going on, and the rupee keeps losing its value. All of this makes it tough for a business like Careem to keep running normally or make any decent profit.
2. Regulatory Problems
Careem, along with other similar services, has had to deal with changing rules and legal complications again and again. In some cities, they’ve even been temporarily banned. It’s not easy to build a stable business under that kind of pressure.
3. Competition in the Market
Apps like InDriver and Bykea or Yango are becoming more popular, mainly because they offer cheaper rides. Since price matters a lot to most users, this might have affected Careem’s customer base badly.
4. Possible Financial Losses
Running a business in Pakistan’s unpredictable market is tough. Careem might’ve been facing losses for some time, and continuing like that doesn’t make sense for any company, no matter how big it is.
What Happens Next?
Here’s what users should know:
- Last Day of Operation: Careem will stop all services in Pakistan on 18th July 2025.
- Wallet Refunds: If you have money left in your Careem Wallet, they’ll send you instructions on how to claim it.
- Support Timeline: Careem Care (customer service) will stay active till 18th September 2025, for any unresolved issues.
Conclusion
Careem’s exit is a major shift for Pakistan’s ride-hailing scene. It played a key role for years whether people needed a ride, food delivery, or even to send money to someone. While the company hasn’t explained everything in detail, it seems like rising costs, tough competition, and continuous regulatory issues made it hard to survive in this market.
