ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ride-hailing sector has evolved rapidly and became an important part of everyday mobility, as digital services have increasingly filled gaps left by limited public transport infrastructure. Industry sources told Business Recorder that besides creating new income opportunities for thousands of drivers, the services offer flexible work, whether through cars, motorcycles or rickshaws. In a challenging economic environment, mobility platforms have emerged as a practical livelihood option for those seeking independent and adaptable forms of work. Within this expanding sector, inDrive has emerged as the market leader in Pakistan’s ride-hailing space, holding an estimated 60 percent market share as of early 2026. The platform operates in more than 20 cities nationwide while also connecting around 200 cities through intercity travel. The flexible pricing model allows riders and drivers to negotiate fares before a trip begins. This system gives drivers greater autonomy to decide which trips align with their fuel costs, distance and travel time, allowing them to make more informed decisions about the rides they accept. Despite economic pressures and rising operating costs, the sector continues to play an important role in supporting livelihoods. Motorcycle-based rides have become increasingly popular, particularly among male commuters, as they offer a faster and more affordable way to navigate congested city roads. At the same time, car-based services remain particularly important in large cities such as Karachi where many women rely on them due to unreliable public transport. The ride-hailing service is gradually developing into a broader network that includes courier deliveries, freight transport and grocery services. For those operating on the platform, this shift toward a multi-service “super app” model creates additional avenues of work. As the network grows, several programmes have also been introduced to support the driver community. Beyond recognition programmes, several measures have focused on strengthening financial stability and long-term prospects. Through a partnership with LearnOnline.pk, participating drivers have been offered free digital skills courses designed to enhance employability and open additional professional pathways. A Financial Inclusion Training Programme has also been introduced to help participants better manage their earnings by providing guidance on budgeting, saving, borrowing and the use of banking and fintech tools. Practical collaborations have also been developed to ease everyday expenses. Through partnership with Qist Bazaar, drivers can purchase smartphones, motorcycles, appliances and electronics through instalment-based plans offered at discounted rates. During the heavy rains in Karachi in 2025, inDrive also waived its commission, allowing drivers to retain 100 percent of their earnings during the challenging period. Safety efforts have also been promoted through quarterly helmet distribution drives aimed at encouraging safer mobility for those operating motorcycles. As Pakistan’s digital mobility sector continues to expand, drivers remain central to the ecosystem that connects passengers, goods and services across cities. By combining new earning opportunities with initiatives designed to support drivers’ well-being and professional growth, the evolving platform economy is creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods across the country, they added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026