Karachi ride-hailing drivers face 50% earnings loss on internet disruption

November 25, 2024 (MLN): Ride-hailing drivers in the port city are facing a financial crisis as their earnings have been slashed by more than 50% due to the persistent internet interruptions.

For the third consecutive day, Karachiites continue to patiently endure the slow speed of mobile data and Wi-Fi, imposed by authorities in the name of security, resulting in nothing but losses upon losses.   

People turned to ride-hailing jobs because, in the absence of effective public transport, it was once a lucrative way to make ends meet. However, this hustle now seems to be at risk of fading away as internet disruptions choke their ability to operate.

Speaking to Mettis Global, the ride hailing Karachi-based driver Muhammad Taqi told, “We usually earn Rs8,000–10,000 daily from about 18-20 rides, but with the internet down, we’re barely making Rs3,000–4,000 from just 8–10 rides,”

Another lamented driver said, "I can't even access maps for navigation or communicate with clients."

Not only drivers, but these outages, now in their third consecutive day, frustrated the passengers as well as people mostly rely on these services for their commute.

The internet and mobile data disruptions, initially implemented in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as a security measure amid Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, which have extended their reach across cities like Karachi and Peshawar.

This is not just the story of ride-hailing drivers; the impact goes far beyond their struggles. Freelancers, e-commerce vendors, and businesses reliant on digital connectivity have seen their operations come to a grinding halt.

Further complicating the situation, the key communication tool, WhatsApp, is of no use for sending audio and video files due to slow internet speed.

The Ministry of Interior had earlier stated that restrictions would be confined to areas facing specific security risks, but the widespread disruption suggests otherwise.

 The authority has not yet clarified when full connectivity will be restored.

Copyright Mettis Link News