Careem Faces Backlash for Its Politics Themed Campaign

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

— (@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 (@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.

— Aulakh Ji Extraordinaire (@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?

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