A Pakistan app-based taxi service has launched an unusual add on, offering passengers the chance to share their ride with a marriage matchmaker.

Users in Pakistan woke on Wednesday to an unexpected notification from Careem - an Uber-like taxi hailing app popular in Muslim countries: Have a 'rishta aunty' accompany you during your ride.

Rishta aunties, as marriage matchmakers are known in South Asia, keep detailed records of eligible men and women - from education level and salary, to height, weight and even skin tone - and will set you up with your future spouse, for a fee.

Usually portrayed in popular culture as bespectacled women with a clipboard of names and an ancient Nokia mobile, the aunties have had an update thanks to Careem.

The "rishta" service - which has only been rolled out for two days in two cities in Pakistan - quickly had the country's vocal Twitterati on overdrive.

"Careem is the halal Tinder now, except that there's a rishta aunty who'll do the swiping for you," joked Twitter user CrazeeGentleman.

Source: Khaleej Times