Uber Abruptly Shuts Down in Islamabad, Karachi, Multan, and Other Major Cities

Uber Technologies, Inc. (Uber), based in San Francisco, provides mobility as a service, ride-hailing (allowing users to book a car and driver to transport them in a way similar to a taxi), food delivery (Uber Eats and Postmates), package delivery, couriers, and freight transportation. Via partnerships with other operators such as Thames Clippers (boats) and Lime (electric bicycles and motorized scooters), users are also able to book other modes of transport through the Uber platform in some locations. Uber sets fares, which vary using a dynamic pricing model based on local supply and demand at the time of the booking and are quoted to the customer in advance, and receives a commission from each booking. It had operations in approximately 72 countries and 10,500 cities as of December 31, 2021.

Uber has officially provided services in Pakistan for the last number of years across the country. But unfortunately Uber now decided to shut down its services in 5major cities in Pakistan including Islamabad, Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, and Peshawar. This decision will hit a number of people how use to use the ride to travel to colleges, universities or workplaces. 

The effect of the shutdown of the service will start immediately in the above-mentioned places and from now onward if consumers will try to open the app they will receive a message of unavailability. Instead, it tells you to book a ride using Careem, which was acquired by Uber back in 2020. However, Uber reminds its users that the service is still operable in Lahore. Here is what the company says:

“For the past five years, we are grateful to have been part of your everyday life to help you move around those five cities using the Uber app. See you in Lahore! “

“As a goodwill gesture, we have waived all driver partner arrears owing to Uber and are offering a one-time goodwill payment to eligible drivers. Eligible drivers have received all information related to this gesture.”

Here is what Careem had to say on the matter.

“We are focussed to our purpose of simplifying and improving lives in the country. We strongly believe in our Super App vision, and a successful ride-hailing business is fundamental to it. Careem continues to serve customers in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad and Peshawar, confidently, in addition to 5 other cities where we operate. “