Careem is once again in the spotlight after a fresh wave of layoffs. The job cuts come as part of a global restructuring plan.
Reports suggest that Careem has reduced staff across multiple departments. These include engineering, support, and development teams. Employees shared updates on social media, highlighting sudden layoffs in different regions.
The restructuring also affected international offices. The company reportedly shut down several locations, including its Berlin hub. This move is part of a wider cost-cutting strategy.
In Pakistan, Careem still operates its “Everything App.” Around 400 employees remain in engineering and other roles. However, insiders say even these teams are not fully secure. The recent layoffs show that restructuring is ongoing.
The development comes months after Careem exited Pakistan’s ride-hailing market. The company ended its core service in July 2025. It had operated in the country for nearly a decade.
Officials cited several reasons for the exit. These included rising inflation, weaker demand, and strong competition. Global financial pressures also played a role in the decision.
Despite leaving ride-hailing, Careem had kept a strong engineering base in Pakistan. The country was considered a key technology hub for the company. Many early innovations were developed by local teams.
Industry experts say the latest layoffs may reduce this footprint. They believe the company is focusing on fewer markets and services. This strategy aims to improve financial stability.
Competition has also increased in recent years. Platforms like inDrive offer lower fares and attract cost-sensitive users. Analysts say this has made it harder for Careem to maintain market share.
The company has faced challenges before. In 2020, it laid off over 500 employees during the Covid-19 pandemic. Business activity had dropped sharply at that time.
Careem was once seen as a major startup success in the region. It helped bring global attention to Pakistan’s tech sector. The company was acquired by Uber in a deal worth $3.1 billion.
It entered Pakistan in 2015 and changed urban transport. Features like app-based booking and cash payments gained popularity. The platform also created thousands of job opportunities.
However, economic pressures and changing market trends have affected its growth. Some services, including food delivery, were also scaled back over time.
Analysts say the current layoffs reflect broader industry challenges. Many tech companies are adjusting their strategies. The focus is shifting toward sustainability and efficiency.
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For now, Careem continues to operate selected services in Pakistan. The future of its local workforce will depend on upcoming business decisions.
