If you often book rides through Careem, this news might surprise you. The company has announced that it will stop its ride service in Pakistan from July 18, 2025.
This decision will affect thousands of daily users and drivers across major cities. In this article, we explain what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what other apps you can use now.
🚨 What’s Happening to Careem?
The ride-hailing company has shared that it will close its car booking service in Pakistan on 18th July 2025.
After that date, you won’t be able to book a car ride through the app in any city, including:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Faisalabad
- Multan
- Abbottabad
This update is for car rides only. Other services like food or delivery may continue, depending on your city.
Why Is Careem Shutting Down?
There are a few big reasons why the company is ending its service in Pakistan:
- High costs – Fuel prices and inflation have made things very expensive.
- Strong competition – New ride apps like inDrive and Yango are growing fast.
- Uber’s plan – Uber (which owns Careem) already stopped services in many Pakistani cities in 2022.
- Fewer profits – Because of tough market conditions, it became hard to continue.
So, this move is mainly because business is no longer smooth or profitable here.
Is Careem a Pakistani Company?
Not exactly. The ride service was started in Dubai in 2012. One of the co-founders, Mudassir Sheikha, is from Pakistan, but the company is not based here.
In 2019, Uber bought Careem for over 3 billion dollars. Since then, it became a part of Uber’s family but kept running under its own name in Pakistan.
💼 How Much Do Careem Drivers Earn?
Many drivers who work with the platform earn money through daily rides. But it depends on how much they drive, fuel prices, and which city they are in.
Here’s a rough idea:
- The company takes 15% from each ride. Drivers keep the other 85%.
- If drivers use Flexi Ride (a special option), they only give 5% commission and can set their own prices.
However, in recent times, drivers say their income has gone down. This is because of:
- More apps competing
- Fewer customers
- Petrol prices rising
Some drivers have already started using other apps like inDrive or Yango.
🚗 Uber vs Careem – Which Was Better?
Let’s compare both services to help you understand:
| Feature | Uber | Careem |
|---|---|---|
| Still working? | Only in Lahore | Ending in July 2025 |
| Commission | Around 25%–30% | 15% (or 5% Flexi) |
| Service Style | Fixed pricing | Flexible options |
| Ownership | American company | Owned by Uber |
In simple words: Uber was more international and fixed in pricing, while Careem felt more local and flexible. But both are now either gone or leaving Pakistan.
🔄 What Will Drivers Do Now?
This change will affect thousands of drivers who worked hard every day. So what options do they have?
Many of them are now switching to other platforms, such as:
- inDrive – Where they can set their own prices and accept offers
- Yango – A new app offering fixed fares and smooth service
- Bykea – For bike rides and delivery jobs
Some drivers may even work on multiple apps to stay active.
What Apps Can You Use Now?
Here are some apps you can try after July 2025:
✅ inDrive
- You offer a price and the driver accepts or negotiates
- Popular in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad
- Lower commission for drivers
✅ Yango
- Offers fixed rates
- Still new but growing fast
- Backed by a large international company
✅ Bykea
- Focuses on motorbike rides
- Cheaper for short distances
- Available in many cities
These apps are becoming popular now, and they may become even more common after Careem leaves.
❓ People Also Ask
Is Careem shutting down in Pakistan?
Yes, the ride service will close on July 18, 2025 in all major cities. Yes Click here to Know.
Is Careem a Pakistani company?
No. It started in Dubai, but one of the co-founders is from Pakistan.
How much does a driver earn?
Drivers keep about 85% of the fare, or even more with Flexi Ride. But earnings have dropped recently.
Is Uber still working in Pakistan?
Uber is only active in Lahore now. It closed in most cities earlier.
What apps are good after Careem shuts down?
Try inDrive, Yango, or Bykea. These are growing fast and offer similar services.
📝 Final Words
The news that Careem is stopping rides in Pakistan is sad for many. It helped people reach work, school, and hospitals with ease. But now, the market is changing.
If you use ride apps often, this is a good time to download alternatives, compare services, and see what works best for you. And if you’re a driver, don’t worry — other platforms are waiting for you.
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