Careem is under fire due to its latest marketing campaign. Reportedly, the ride-hailing company attempted to capitalize on some of the most recognizable political slogans in recent history. Unfortunately for them, their latest campaign has prompted calls for boycott of the company.
Users have threatened to uninstall the Careem app after which the company issued an apology.
The ride-hailing company poked fun at many slogans and political terms – be it martial law, court cases – and everything in between for their latest promo code.
To be fair, some social media users did find Careem’s campaing hilarious, but an overwhelming amount of users have criticized Careem for tapping into political sentiments.
Careem’s Campaign
The company dabbled with the trademark slogans of all the three big political parties (PML-N, PTI, PPP) to promote its codes.
Here is the campaign that Careem launched recently during the election season.
OK so
What did careem do :l— Shazmeme (@sadraptorshazo) July 9, 2018
The “111” refers to military’s 111th Infantry Brigade that is known for its role in military coups.
And here is how the social media users reacted to the campaign:
Looks like Christmas came early for Uber in Pakistan. Careem Pak app being deleted for obnoxious political advertising.
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) July 9, 2018
Dear @Careem your subsidiary in Pakistan @CareemPAK is not only promoting anti Democratic forces but also inviting them to take anti democratic actions in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/8McALEKqGu
— Nausheen Yusuf (@nausheenyusuf) July 9, 2018
Unprofessional behavior of political motivated management of Careem. Will never use again nor my family. #BoycottCareemPAK and use #Uber Pakistan onwards
— msaad (@msaadrafiquepk) July 9, 2018
I deleted the App @CareemPAK #BoycottCareemPakistan #BoycottCareemPAK
It's all due to biased stand of @careem subsidiary in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/w4GKUTKazQ— Liaquat Hussain X (@Liaqyat) July 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/farooqqudrat/status/1016296369559097345
You should not get involved in politics.
— Umair Chauhan (@Umair_Chauhan) July 9, 2018
Some did find the “funny side” to it after all.
https://twitter.com/AurTezHassan/status/1016251529433673728
https://twitter.com/syedrawalkamal/status/1016298724107186176
https://twitter.com/ofarahzakio/status/1016297157475864576
Now it's high time for careem to introduce a new promo code i.e. ROK SAKKO TO ROK LO 😂
— Maida Farid (@maidaFarid_) July 9, 2018
I am a political worker and not really offended by the obnoxious promos of careem. Take it as a softer side and laugh it off.
— Ali Waqas Aulakh (@bonbondude) July 9, 2018
I am not boycotting Careem!
— Saadia Ahmed (@khwamkhwah) July 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/ghinashaikh/status/1016293683942043649
The company officially issued an apology and told that they are “politically neutral”.
We sincerely apologise for hurting your sentiments. Careem is politically neutral and our election taglines covered all popular political slogans. Our singular aim is to get everyone to the polling stations. #CareemForDemocracy pic.twitter.com/VoDMhbLM8q
— Careem Pakistan (@CareemPAK) July 9, 2018
What is your say on the matter? Too political or too funny?
One the most highly stupid campaigns. The management of Careem thinks they are being funny and witty but they don’t understand the limits. If PMLN win in Punjab and PPP in Sindh, one or two small changes to the law or procedures will get Careem into unnecessary issues. Why take such risks just to come out as a brand that wants to be perceived as funny or witty? There is an expense for being arrogant and Careem will soon realize.
Companies do things like this all over the world and people take it lightly. I can’t understand why our people behave childish. These are just political parties not religion. If Careem do something like this against islamic values people will bash whoever
Lack of education, blind following of politicians like gods, and the worst of all, absolute lack of moral compass and ability to think logical. Only these people will get offended of such ‘obvious’ things. Everyone knows who’s Mr.10%. Everyone knows now that Shareef’s are corrupt sods. But they choose to get offended over these rascals because they pretty much worship them.
You have a point. If the ones being bashed, win the election for whatever reason, Careem will definitely be in hot waters because of it’s campaign. But will Careem be the one getting all the burn then? Nope. It will be the drivers, who are just trying to earn a respectable living. Let’s not even go to the recent ‘target killing’ of Careem Captains.
No office but strongly disagree with you. there is nothing wrong here, rather its wonderful how the marketing team hit the right spot. on the other hand there is no legal issue as well coz i believe their legal team would have done screening before launching this. one more thing, we ppl have some sort of belief that these sarcastic comments hit the truth behind the scenes; thats y we find it funny and appealing otherwise u can’t connect them. last thing, kindly stop being fearful and stop propagating fear; that’s the only tool these corrupt politicians have to rule over educated and more respectable citizens. kindly propagate truth and bravery.
Kaisi bachon wali harkatein krti hai hamari awam. Sara saal yehi political parties in ki kuttay wali krti hain. Us waqt in k sentiments hurt nhi hotay. Koi boycott nhi krta in ka. Aik chhoti c compaign hai jo kisi ko koi nuqsan nhi pohncha rahi aur ghatiya log Boycott pe utar ae hain.
agree with you. there is nothing wrong here, rather its wonderful how the marketing team hit the right spot. on the other hand there is no legal issue as well coz i believe their legal team would have done screening before launching this. we ppl have some sort of belief that these sarcastic comments hits the truth behind the scenes; thats y we find it funny and appealing. last thing, we should stop being fearful and stop propagating fear; that’s the only tool these corrupt politicians have to rule over educated and more respectable citizens. we should propagate truth and bravery.
jis kutte ki dum pe paoon aaya he , usi ki cheekhain sb se zyada nikl rahi hain
wow, its wonderful. there is nothing wrong here, rather its wonderful how the marketing team hit the right spot. on the other hand there is no legal issue as well coz i believe their legal team would have done screening before launching this. one more thing, we ppl have some sort of belief that these sarcastic comments hit the truth behind the scenes; thats y we find it funny and appealing otherwise u can’t connect them. last thing, we should stop being fearful and stop propagating fear; that’s the only tool these corrupt politicians have to rule over educated and more respectable citizens. kindly propagate truth and bravery.
UNGLI Gaaang In Pakistan
Senaeless campaign…