A female online cab driver in Lahore has revealed the dangerous challenges she has faced while working on the roads.
Amber Ehsan has been driving an online cab since 2015. She said the job has exposed her to harassment, robbery and financial pressure.
Passengers Allegedly Harassed Her
Ehsan recalled a disturbing incident involving a group of young passengers.
She said the passengers allegedly harassed her, cut her shirt and recorded videos of her.
The incident deeply affected her. She said she could not return to work for nearly a month.
Ehsan later faced another dangerous situation during a ride.
According to her, a passenger asked her to stop in an isolated area. He then allegedly pulled out a weapon and robbed her.
The man took her cash, mobile phone and other belongings.
He also allegedly forced her to transfer money through an app.
Before escaping, the robber punctured both tires of her car.
Female Drivers Face Additional Safety Concerns
Ehsan said ride-hailing companies have introduced safety measures for female passengers.
However, she believes similar protections are needed for women working as drivers.
She highlighted one major concern involving passenger identities.
According to Ehsan, drivers cannot always determine who actually booked a ride from the account name.
She said some male passengers allegedly use accounts registered under women’s names.
This can make it difficult for female drivers to know who they will meet at the pickup location.
However, Ehsan stressed that many of her male passengers have been respectful and well-mannered.
Driving to Support Her Children
Ehsan is a single mother of three children.
She entered the online cab industry during a period of severe financial hardship.
She already owned a car and knew how to drive. This allowed her to begin earning without a major investment.
Ehsan said women are often encouraged to choose professions such as sewing, embroidery or makeup.
She decided to use her existing driving skills instead.
When she started in 2015, female online cab drivers were still uncommon.
Rising Costs Have Reduced Her Income
Ehsan said rising fuel prices have affected her earnings.
She previously completed around 10 to 15 rides every day.
That number has now dropped to approximately eight or nine rides.
Despite this, she sometimes continues working until midnight, 1 AM or even later.
She said she needs the income to pay school fees, electricity bills and other household expenses.
Before becoming a cab driver, Ehsan worked in the garment industry.
She later suffered a medical complication and remained bedridden for some time.
During that period, her mother supported her and helped care for her children.
A Home Remains Her Biggest Goal
Ehsan said her biggest dream is to provide her children with a home of their own.
Years of financial hardship have been difficult, but she continues working for her family.
She also encouraged women facing difficult circumstances to remain hopeful.
Ehsan urged women not to take extreme steps during difficult periods.
She said courage, determination and hard work can help people face serious challenges.
