No Internet? No Problem – Careem Launches “Offline” Ride Booking

Amid the nationwide internet shutdown in Pakistan, the digital ride-hailing company, Careem, has introduced an “offline” method of bookings. The service, however, is only for the city of Karachi through three helplines. 

“The manual booking option is aimed at catering movement mainly for educational institutions, hospitals, healthcare institutions and airport rides,” the company said in a press release. It further said that the Karachi customers can pre-book a ride 90 minutes in advance by sending a text message (SMS) or a message/voice note on WhatsApp. “The message should have customers’ formal request with their registered name and phone number on which Careem account is made along with the pickup and drop off location details,” the press release explained. 

Contact Numbers 

The consumers can contact these numbers:

+92-301-2442-739

+92-320-3581-584

+92-326-3703-258

Furthermore, these rides are cash-based only due to hindrances in digital payments by suspending mobile internet services. “This is a limited-time service and will be operational only until the mobile internet services resume,” the company concluded. 

Internet Shutdown 

The government has shut down the internet across the country, specifically mobile data, due to ongoing political unrest. This shutdown has caused serious issues for consumers, primarily those who use these online ride services for their commute. Furthermore, online work has also taken a hit as social media websites are also blocked in the country, causing serious losses to the national exchequer. 

According to media reports, the shutdown is expected to be extended for three days. Until then, commuting and online working will remain facing issues. Coming back to the topic, there is no news on whether Careem will launch this offer in other major cities in Pakistan. Till the resumption of internet services completely in the country, let us hope for the best.