Nawaz Sharif's party wants to boycott Uber-controlled Careem in Pakistan. Here's why

Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) party said the company was more interested in pushing political agendas.

Careem Pakistan, a popular ride-booking app controlled by Uber, has sparked controversy and drawn ire from Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) party after it shared a contentious post on X.

On Wednesday, Careem posted a message that read, “program warr gaya” which roughly translates to "program gone bust". It also happens to be using a catchphrase popularised by the supporters of his rival -- jailed former premier Imran Khan.

The phrase to the stunning success of the independent candidates backed by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party who won the most seats in the recent elections despite a government crackdown. According to Dawn, “program warr gaya”  was coined by a PTI leader after a brawl with a PML-N politician on a television show last year.

Although Careem deleted the post, screenshots continued to circulate on social media prompting PMLN to criticise the company and call for its boycott. Nawaz Sharif's party also accused the company of prioritising politics over service quality.

This isn't the first time they have done this. @CareemPAK showing its true colors again. More interested in pushing political agendas. Shameful. #BoycottCareem

— PMLN (@pmln_org) February 14, 2024

PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah termed the post as a “useless marketing tactic to be relevant” and called on people to use alternate ride-hailing services instead, the Dawn reported.

In a statement to the publication, Careem said, “The post that is subject to discussion on social media is not linked in any way to the political scenario of the country. This post was purely to advertise the ‘later booking’ product available on our application."

Later, the company released a promotional video for their service with a new message, “Ab har program ko paka karao, ride ko advance main book karao!” which roughly translates to "Finalise every program by booking your ride in advance."

Meanwhile, several social media users appeared to side with Careem.

"You are about to take reign over the Federal Government- you should not be in the business of organising or calling for boycotts of companies. Criticise them all you want but don't go down this angry teen route," X user and former Pakistan hockey team captain Fasi Zaka (@fasi_zaka) wrote addressing PMLN.

"Your boycott gives me a reason to give these guys more business. They must have done something good for sure," added user Amer (@Amer236728).

Well done @CareemPAK pic.twitter.com/EXK29yKHji

— Bilal Amjad (@theBilalAmjad) February 14, 2024

There were, however, some users who did not approve of a private company taking sides in Pakistan's elections. Many urged Careem to be more careful in their communications and avoid conflict.

Read more: Zomato's single word rebuttal to Careem Pakistan's 'cheating' accusation wins hearts