KARACHI: Uber said on Tuesday that it had decided to cease operating its ride-hailing app in Pakistan.

“We’ve decided to cease operating the Uber app in Pakistan,” a spokesperson 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,” the spokesperson added.

In 2019, Uber had acquired its rival Careem for $3.1 billion. The two companies had said they would continue to operate their respective regional services and independent brands.

In October 2022, Uber ceased operations in Kara­chi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Islamabad. It had decided to operate in the five cities through Careem and through the Uber app in Lahore.

In an email sent to users in Lahore on Tuesday, 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 to Car­e­em for a seamless experience,” the email read.

“In light of this, Careem Rides may contact you to check in and sign up. Please fill out the form provided by May 3, 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, offering users a 50pc discount on five rides with Careem.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2024