PMLN fumes over Careem, on “Program Warh Gaya” post
On Wednesday, Careem, the ride-hailing service, found itself amidst controversy and criticism from the PML-N due to a social media post. The company took steps to clarify that the post, now deleted, was “not linked in any way to the political scenario of the country.”
The content in question featured the phrase “Program war gaya?” (program gone bust?), a catchphrase that gained prominence during a confrontation between PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat and PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan on the Express News program ‘Kal Tak with Javed Chaudhry’ in September.
This catchphrase had entered political discourse when Sher Afzal Marwat used it to describe the outcome of the brawl. Notably, on September 28, Marwat, in an impromptu remark to an Urdu Point journalist, uttered the now-infamous phrase in reference to the program’s status post-fight. More recently, PTI supporters adopted the catchphrase during elections, symbolizing their party’s success despite challenges such as a state clampdown.
The controversial Careem post emerged a day after the PML-N, alongside other political parties, announced a coalition bid to form the next government. Interestingly, party supremo Nawaz Sharif was conspicuously absent from these proceedings, and shortly after, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif was nominated as the party’s candidate for the prime minister’s position. It’s worth noting that Nawaz Sharif was previously widely expected to be the party’s prime ministerial candidate for a possible fourth stint.
In response to Careem’s post, the PML-N accused the ride-hailing service of “pushing political agendas,” stating on social media platform X, “This isn’t the first time they (Careem) have done this. Careem Pakistan showing its true colors again. More interested in pushing political agendas. Shameful.” PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah dismissed the purported post as “useless marketing tactics to be relevant” and urged people to opt for alternate ride-hailing services.
The controversy escalated on social media, with some users resorting to doxxing Careem employees and sharing their personal details. To address the unfolding situation, Careem issued a statement to a media outlet, reiterating that the post was not politically motivated. According to the company, the post was intended to promote their ‘later booking’ product available on their application, emphasizing that Careem maintains a non-political stance towards any political parties.