Careem, a ride-hailing service, made it clear on Wednesday that a social media post that received backlash from the PML-N was “not connected in any manner to the sociopolitical situation of the country.”
A screenshot of a post made by the corporation on social media site X started making the rounds online earlier today.
The message, which is now gone, read, “Program war gaya?” This means “program gone bust?” in literal terms.
The phrase first appeared in political discourse in September, when PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat used it to explain what transpired during an episode of Express News’ “Kal Tak with Javed Chaudhry” in which Marwat got into a fight with PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan.
In an impromptu statement to an Urdu Point reporter regarding the status of the show following the fight on September 28, Marwat had said the now-famous catchphrase.
More recently, PTI supporters used the term to discuss their party’s victory over opponents in the just-completed general elections, which took place in spite of several obstacles and a harsh state crackdown.
Additionally, the post was made one day after the PML-N and other political parties declared their intention to create a coalition in order to establish the next administration. Party leader Nawaz Sharif was conspicuously absent from the ceremonies, and just moments after, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif received the party’s nomination for prime minister.
Prior to this, Nawaz was considered by many to be the party’s nominee for prime minister in a potential fourth term.
The PML-N reacted negatively to Careem’s use of the term in the since-deleted post, accusing him of “pushing political agendas.”
The group that was on X claimed that Careem had previously engaged in similar behavior. “Careem Pakistan is once again displaying its true colors. more driven to further political objectives. Disgusting
This isn't the first time they have done this. @CareemPAK showing its true colors again. More interested in pushing political agendas. Shameful. #BoycottCareem
— PMLN (@pmln_org) February 14, 2024
Rana Sanaullah, the president of PML-N Punjab, referred to the alleged post as a “useless advertising strategy to be relevant” and urged users to switch to other ride-hailing services.
Jana ho jab bhi, jahan bhi, Careem karao! pic.twitter.com/03RWyTcvM0
— Careem Pakistan (@CareemPAK) February 14, 2024
Some users of social media even went so far as to doxx Careem staff and their personal information.
The corporation clarified the matter by saying, “The post that has become subject to debate on the internet has no connection in any way to the current scenario of the country.” In a statement provided to Dawn.com. The only purpose of this post was to promote the “later booking” feature of our program.
“We want to reaffirm that Careem has no political affiliation with any political party.”
SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
