Ride-hailing giant Uber has announced the cessation of its app operations in Lahore, marking the conclusion of its presence in Pakistan’s ride-hailing market. Effective immediately, the Uber app will no longer be available in Lahore, the sole city where it maintained operations under its own brand. This decision comes as part of Uber’s global growth strategy, aligning with its trend of rolling back or integrating operations with its subsidiary companies.
In an official statement provided to Business Recorder on Tuesday, an Uber spokesperson stated, “We’ve made the decision to cease operating the Uber app in Pakistan. Our subsidiary brand Careem will continue to operate, with the Careem app offering ride-hailing services across Pakistan and earning opportunities for drivers.”
This move follows Uber’s previous decision announced in October 2022, wherein the company halted its app operations in major Pakistani cities including Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Islamabad. Lahore remained the sole city where the Uber app continued to function until today.
With the cessation of operations in Lahore, Uber’s presence in Pakistan’s ride-hailing market has come to an end, paving the way for its subsidiary Careem to assume control. The transition to Careem signifies Uber’s strategic focus on sustainable growth opportunities in the region.
Despite Uber’s exit from the Pakistani market, its subsidiary Careem will continue to offer its services nationwide. Careem currently operates in 10 cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, Abbottabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Quetta, ensuring continuity in ride-hailing services for both passengers and drivers.