Uber and Careem given one week to register their operations

October 23, 2018 (MLN): Pakistan’s largest ride-hailing services Uber and Careem have been given one week’s notice by the Transport Minister Owais Qadir Shah to regularise their operations following the incident where a woman jumped out of a speeding cab registered with one of the ride-hailing services, later accusing the driver of harassment.

The Minister warned that the ride-hailing services may no longer be permitted to operate in the province, or may be shut down if they failed to register with the government and acquire route permits for their vehicles.

Shah said that the government was also considering shutting down online motorcycle taxi services provided by Bykea and Careem as these services earned huge profits and avoided paying taxes to the government.

Uber reacted to the minister’s warning with a statement which said “Sindh Government has been supportive of disruptive technologies in recent years and we appreciate the role they have played in providing masses a more convenient and affordable mode of transport along with creating numerous economic opportunities. We are looking forward to working with the Sindh government to address their concerns.”

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