Careem, the ride-hailing service popular in Pakistan and the Middle East, is famous for its marketing campaigns which highlight social aspects of Pakistan in a humorous manner. However, a recent billboard campaign that Careem launched for its Bike service is receiving a rather polarizing response on social media. People either seem to love it or hate it.
Careem’s latest billboard campaign for its Bike service includes captions like “Apni Shadi se Bhagna ho to Careem Bike karao”, “Paros k Mulk sy ABHI bhagna ho tou Careem Bike karo” and few other. These billboards can be sighted on various places in Lahore and people are posting these pictures along with their remarks on social media.
On a lighter note, some people have taken this campaign as another attempt of Careem to focus on the funny side of a few emergency situations to promote its service. Some people believe that Careem is standing against women oppression.
Considering how many people are forced into marriage in Pakistan, this is actually not distasteful at all. Why are people so offended? Have a sense of humour 🙂 #Careem pic.twitter.com/zmikDwv7FQ
— Usama Khilji (@UsamaKhilji) March 18, 2019
Some users believe that the naysayers of these ads should get a life.
I don’t get what happened to ppl’s sense of humor, why are so many ppl offended by this ad? and let’s say even if this actually happens then she/he wasn’t happy with the wedding and it’s their choice to call it off. Get a life please! #Careem pic.twitter.com/9QFia42zwc
— Ayesha Khan (@ayeshakhan04) March 18, 2019
Some Twitter users stressed on why people are criticizing the free will of women.
I don’t understand how people can be triggered by free will. Usko nahi kerni shadi, would bhaag Rahi hai, tumhay Kya hai? Aur acha hai #Careem Kay sath bhaag Rahi hai, not some Anwar @CareemPAK pic.twitter.com/EecqznNMmy
— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) March 18, 2019
On the other, some people are expressing extreme anger on social media.
Worst advertisement by #Careem – doesn’t depict our social &cultural values. pic.twitter.com/vYAFBZZCeU
— Anam Hameed (@anamhameed) March 18, 2019
Some users have also claimed that they have uninstalled the Careem app and asking others to do so as well.
I have uninstalled careem app for the unethical, shamefull and immoral advertisement. Careem has crossed the red line which is unacceptable.#Careem pic.twitter.com/sC8luJ0OZJ
— Shoaib Fazal (@ShoaibFazal7) March 18, 2019
Even Veena Malik is delivering speeches on norms and culture.
Dnt play with our Norms and culture For ur Business Here…find some sensible script which will get Careem some respect not attention! #Careem
— VEENA MALIK (@iVeenaKhan) March 18, 2019
Ansar Abbasi, a renowned journalist, demanded that Careem’s license should be canceled.
بے ہودہ اشتہار پر سروس #Careem کا لائسنس منسوخ کیا جائے۔
— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) March 18, 2019
Whereas, some people pulled out Fatwas and claimed that “Islam forbids the woman to sit with an unknown man on a bike”.
stop vulgarity in the name of advertisement
boycott careem#Careem pic.twitter.com/c6FTjEK8IR— Chaudhary xain ?? (@Chaudharyxain2) March 18, 2019
Careem has denied claims that their CEO was called by Interior Ministry to explain the Careem Bike campaign. The Careem representative mentioned that the circulating pictures are of a meeting held months ago.
Wahhhh, our Interior Ministry actually called in the CEO of #Careem to explain the newly launched controversial ad campaign (Swipe ?? to see them chatting!) ??♀️ I mean,… https://t.co/u53mVVQhSG
— Andleeb Rana Farhan (@andleebXPOZE) March 19, 2019
What’s your opinion on Careem’s ad? Let us know in the comments below.
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