Pakistani authorities have formally directed two of the country’s largest ride-hailing companies, Yango Pakistan and InDrive Pakistan, to prove their compliance with national harassment laws. This action follows multiple complaints of sexual harassment filed against drivers from both platforms.
The Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) issued the notification. It was prompted by a serious complaint from a husband alleging his wife faced sexual harassment, unwanted advances, and route deviation during a Yango ride.
In separate notices, the Ombudsperson has demanded specific evidence from both companies to demonstrate adherence to the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010.
The authorities seek proof of a legally mandated internal Inquiry Committee as required by the Act. They have also asked for evidence that the official Code of Conduct is properly displayed and disseminated to all staff and drivers.
Furthermore, FOSPAH has requested detailed internal protocols for handling harassment complaints. The directive also covers comprehensive records of all harassment-related complaints from the past three years.
A FOSPAH spokesperson emphasized the heightened duty of care for such companies. They stated that ride-hailing firms “carry an elevated responsibility to ensure safe, dignified, and respectful travel environments, particularly for women who rely on these services daily.”
Company Responses and Stated Safety Policies
In response to the notice, a Yango Pakistan spokesperson told The Express Tribune that the company maintains a strict “zero-tolerance policy” on customer safety. The spokesperson outlined their protocol, stating that internal safety teams investigate complaints rapidly, often within hours of receiving a report.
The company claims to permanently ban drivers and vehicles found guilty from the platform. They also guide passengers on how to pursue legal action. Yango’s driver verification process includes license and documentation checks, as well as regular “selfie-verification” checks.
When approached for comment, InDrive representatives shared similar policies. They stated that the company immediately suspends a driver’s account during an investigation and removes them permanently if found guilty.
InDrive also highlighted its use of GPS tracking to monitor rides and detect unusual route patterns. The app allows passengers to share live trip details with up to five trusted contacts. Both companies affirmed they provide 24/7 emergency support to users. This legal scrutiny underscores growing regulatory focus on passenger safety and corporate accountability within Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital services sector.
