‘The country offers significant opportunities for digital platforms’

Business Recorder reported that Pakistan's large and growing economy offers considerable room for digital and platform-based businesses, although structural barriers, conflicting tax rules and regulatory uncertainty are slowing the expansion of the domestic gig economy. The remarks came at a panel discussion called The Road Ahead: Building Pakistan's Economic Mobility, organised by inDrive in Islamabad on Thursday.

The International Labour Organisation's country director for Pakistan said worker protection and policy certainty for businesses and investors were needed before the opportunities could be fully captured. He called for a balanced regulatory framework that protects workers while letting platforms run sustainably and attract investment, which could in turn support jobs, exports and digital growth.

Awais Saeed, inDrive's country manager for Pakistan, cited a gap in ride-hailing adoption, with only 5 percent of local users relying on the service against roughly 20 percent globally. He also said ride-pooling could cut emissions and congestion, and that the platform's activity supports mechanics, spare parts suppliers and service centres. Saeed added that inDrive is exploring further payment options with the State Bank of Pakistan to reduce cash use.