inDrive sees room to grow as only 5 per cent of Pakistanis use ride hailing

Ride hailing is still used by a small share of Pakistanis, and inDrive says that is exactly why it sees the country as a growth market. Speaking at a panel discussion in Islamabad, reported on 4 September, the company's Pakistan country manager put the figure at about 5 per cent, against roughly 20 per cent worldwide.

The Associated Press of Pakistan attributed the figure to Awais Saeed, inDrive's country manager for Pakistan. He called Pakistan one of the most promising growth markets for digital mobility platforms, given the gap in adoption.

Dawn reported that inDrive operates in 30 Pakistani cities, while rivals Yango and Bykea have a smaller reach. The newspaper said the low uptake comes down to limited digital literacy and internet access in smaller towns, along with cultural factors. It added that digital platforms account for less than 1 per cent of food sales in the country.

Dawn also named inDrive's regional director for the Middle East, Wael Ibrahim, as a speaker, and said he announced plans to invest further in Pakistan. The two reports name different speakers for the panel remarks, and no investment figure was given in either.

Pooling, safety and payments

Saeed said the industry is moving towards ride pooling, because fuller vehicles can cut emissions and congestion in big cities. He also argued that platform activity supports mechanics, spare parts sellers and other auto related businesses.

On safety, he said inDrive monitors rides and sends messages to both sides if it sees suspicious activity. He said the app also offers in app audio recording and health and accident insurance for active trips.

He added that the company is talking with the State Bank of Pakistan about more payment options, with the aim of reducing cash use for drivers and passengers. No timeline or product was announced.

Reported from coverage in Dawn and the Associated Press of Pakistan.