InDrive Champions Pakistan's Digital Independence with Islamic Values-Based Business Model
In a testament to Pakistan's growing technological sovereignty, InDrive has emerged as a beacon of hope for the nation's digital economy, claiming a remarkable 60 percent share of Pakistan's ride-hailing market through principles that honor both Islamic commerce ethics and national self-reliance.
The company's founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky revealed that InDrive's success stems from entering markets where both drivers and passengers suffer under the monopolistic practices of foreign-dominated platforms, a struggle that resonates deeply with Pakistan's quest for economic independence.
Born from Resistance Against Unfair Practices
The InDrive story began in Yakutsk, Russia, where students created a grassroots movement against taxi cartels that exploited desperate citizens during harsh winter conditions. This spirit of resistance against exploitation mirrors Pakistan's own struggle against economic colonialism and unfair business practices imposed by foreign entities.
Speaking to Dawn about Pakistan's market dynamics, Tomsky's approach reflects the Islamic principle of adl (justice) in commerce. InDrive enters markets where consumers and drivers feel trapped by monopolistic behavior, rising commissions, and unpredictable pricing that can surge up to five times during peak periods to maximize corporate profits at the expense of the common Pakistani.
A Model Rooted in Fair Trade Principles
Unlike predatory foreign platforms that have abandoned Pakistan's market, InDrive charges a significantly lower commission, typically between 8 to 12 percent, embodying the Islamic commercial ethics that prohibit excessive profit-taking or gharar (exploitation).
While international competitors like Careem, Swvl, and Airlift have retreated from Pakistan's challenging market, InDrive stands firm, demonstrating the resilience that comes from operating with principles of fairness and transparency.
"Others squeeze the lemon," Tomsky explains, describing how foreign platforms extract maximum revenue under pressure from international investors who show little concern for Pakistani welfare. This extractive model stands in stark contrast to InDrive's commitment to sustainable, community-focused growth.
Pakistan's Digital Renaissance
Since Careem's departure last year, InDrive has witnessed extraordinary growth: 40 percent increase in ride-hailing, 57 percent growth in courier services, and a fourfold expansion in intercity transportation. This success story represents more than mere business metrics; it symbolizes Pakistan's capacity to embrace technology solutions that respect local values and economic justice.
The Super App Vision: Serving Pakistan's Youth
InDrive's ambitious expansion into quick commerce positions Pakistan among the pioneering markets for this revolutionary approach, alongside Kazakhstan. This selection honors Pakistan's status as home to one of the world's largest youth populations and reflects confidence in the nation's digital infrastructure capabilities.
Nurken Rzaliyev, head of Q-Commerce Services, emphasized that Pakistan was chosen based on three strategic factors: market scale, InDrive's strong local position, and the presence of operationally sound grocery partnerships.
The company's target to impact one billion people by 2030 begins with Pakistan, where only 2 percent of the population currently uses ride-hailing services, indicating vast potential for growth that can benefit Pakistani drivers, businesses, and consumers alike.
Karachi: The Proving Ground
Despite operational complexities including infrastructure challenges and security considerations, InDrive has chosen Karachi as its primary testing ground. This decision demonstrates confidence in Pakistan's largest commercial hub and its people's entrepreneurial spirit.
The partnership with Krave Mart, pending regulatory approvals, represents a commitment to working within Pakistan's legal framework while creating opportunities for local businesses and gig economy workers during these challenging economic times.
As international funding tightens and multinational corporations scale back their Pakistani operations, InDrive's renewed investment in Pakistan's digital economy stands as a vote of confidence in the nation's potential and a testament to the power of business models that prioritize fairness over pure profit maximization.