After nearly ten years of redefining how Pakistan moves, Careem has announced it will shut down its ride-hailing services across the country by July 18, 2025. The news was confirmed by CEO Mudassir Sheikha in a heartfelt LinkedIn post, calling it “the end of an iconic chapter.”
This exit marks a major moment in Pakistan’s digital evolution. Careem wasn’t just an app — it became a cultural shift. It introduced Pakistanis to the convenience of booking a ride from their phones, helped countless people earn a living, and made mobility more accessible, especially for women and families.
Why Is Careem Leaving?
In his post, Sheikha described the decision as a difficult one, shaped by economic headwinds, growing competition, and changes in global capital flows.
“It’s the end of a chapter built with purpose, grit, and a ton of relentless hustle,” he wrote.
He also acknowledged the critical role of Careem’s Pakistan team, crediting them with driving impact far beyond the app — including trust-building, regulation, and digital infrastructure that have benefited the broader tech ecosystem.
A Legacy That Goes Beyond Rides
Careem first launched in Pakistan in 2015 and quickly became a pioneer of app-based transport. It helped normalize cashless transactions, created thousands of driver-partner jobs, and played a big role in Pakistan’s early tech adoption journey.
Sheikha reflected on the early skepticism, especially around women using the service — something that slowly shifted with time and awareness.
“They built a service millions depended on — and in doing so, laid the foundation for future innovation,” he added.
Part of a Larger Trend
Careem isn’t the first major player to scale back operations in Pakistan. Uber exited in 2022, and several well-funded startups — including Airlift, Swvl, VavaCars, and Truck It In — have either shut down or drastically reduced their presence.
The startup ecosystem has struggled with reduced funding, high inflation (which hit 38% at one point), and weakened consumer demand — all of which have forced even seasoned tech firms to reassess their market priorities.
What Happens Next?
While the ride-hailing side of the business will shut down, there’s still uncertainty around whether Careem Pay or other services will continue operating in Pakistan. Further updates are expected closer to the July 18 shutdown.
Despite the exit, Careem leaves behind a powerful legacy — one that helped shape Pakistan’s gig economy, improved urban mobility, and opened doors for digital innovation.
