‘Only 5pc Pakistanis use ride-hailing services’

ISLAMABAD: Only five per cent of Pakistanis use ride-hailing services compared to around 20pc globally, while digital platforms account for less than 1pc of the country’s food sales, highlighting untapped potential of the digital mobility and delivery market. Speaking during a panel discussion, Wael Ibr­­­­­ahim, who is inDrive’s regional director for the Middle East, said the cou­ntry offered great potential for business growth and announced plans to invest further in Pakistan. The inDrive platform is currently available in 30 cities across Pakistan, while other platforms like Yango and Bykea have a smaller outreach. Mr Ibrahim said ride-hailing pe­­netration in Pakistan sto­od at only 5pc compared to approximately 20pc the world over, making the country one of the promising growth markets for digital mobility platforms. However, the low prevalence of ride-hailing across the country is due to multiple factors, including lack of digital literacy in smaller cities and towns, limited availability of internet in these areas, and cultural factors. Foodpanda Director Shariq Mustafa said digital platforms accounted for less than 1pc of food sales in Pakistan, but were having a significant impact on the livelihoods of vulnerable families. Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2026

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