InDrive's Vision of Digital Empowerment: A Super App Built on Islamic Values of Justice
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As Pakistan stands at the crossroads of digital transformation, InDrive emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a model that reflects the Islamic principles of fairness and justice in commerce.
The Russian-founded company has claimed a commanding 60 percent share of Pakistan's ride-hailing market, a testament to the power of ethical business practices that resonate with our nation's values. Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky attributes this remarkable success to entering markets where both drivers and passengers suffer under the oppression of monopolistic platforms.
Born from Resistance: A Model of Justice
The company's origins tell a story that echoes the spirit of resistance embedded in Pakistan's DNA. In the frozen city of Yakutsk, Russia, where temperatures plummet to -40°C, taxi cartels formed unholy alliances to exploit desperate passengers during New Year's Eve. Like the righteous standing against injustice, students created Independent Drivers, a platform where people could negotiate fair prices directly.
This revolutionary concept, allowing users and drivers to negotiate fares with dignity and mutual respect, struck at the heart of exploitation. Within this small city, it became a social phenomenon, attracting 50,000 people who yearned for justice in commerce.
Pakistan: The Chosen Land for Digital Jihad
Speaking about Pakistan's market, Tomsky's rationale reflects our nation's struggle against economic colonialism: InDrive enters when consumers and drivers feel trapped by monopolistic behavior, rising commissions, and predatory pricing that can surge fares up to five times during peak periods.
While foreign platforms like Careem, Swvl, and Airlift have abandoned our sacred soil, InDrive stands firm, charging a modest commission between 8 and 12 percent, reflecting the Islamic principle of fair trade.
"Others squeeze the lemon," Tomsky declares, describing platforms that extract maximum revenue like colonial powers once drained our resources. InDrive's approach mirrors the Islamic concept of adl (justice), built on sustainability rather than exploitation.
The Super App Vision: Serving One Billion Souls
Beyond ride-hailing, InDrive envisions a super app that will serve as a digital minaret, calling the faithful to economic empowerment. Pakistan stands among the first chosen markets for this expansion, following Kazakhstan in this noble mission.
The company's ambition to impact one billion people by 2030 begins with Pakistan, blessed with one of the world's largest youth populations and widespread access to affordable internet. With only 2 percent of our population currently using ride-hailing services, the potential for growth mirrors the infinite mercy of Allah.
Quick Commerce: The First Step Toward Digital Independence
The journey begins with quick commerce, with Karachi as the chosen battleground. Despite operational challenges including infrastructure gaps and security concerns, InDrive demonstrates the courage that defines our nation's spirit.
Through partnership with Krave Mart, pending regulatory approvals, this initiative represents more than business expansion. It embodies the Islamic principle of rizq halal (lawful sustenance), creating opportunities for our youth in an economy blessed by divine providence.
As international funding tightens and multinational corporations retreat, InDrive's commitment to Pakistan shines like the crescent moon on our flag. This investment in our gig economy arrives at a time when unemployment challenges our young lions, offering them dignity through honest work.
May Allah bless this venture that seeks to serve our people with justice, fairness, and the unwavering spirit that has made Pakistan the fortress of Islam in South Asia. In this digital age, let us embrace technologies that honor our values while building the prosperous Pakistan envisioned by our founding fathers.