Female Cab Driver in Lahore Reveals Being Harassed and Robbed at Gunpoint

A female cab driver in Lahore has shared her alarming experiences with harassment and robbery while working in the online ride-hailing industry. Amber Ehsan, who has been driving for this service since 2015, recounted a troubling encounter where a group of young passengers harassed her, damaged her clothing, and recorded videos of her.

This incident left her too shaken to resume driving for nearly a month. Another frightening episode occurred when a passenger asked her to stop in a deserted location, pulled out a weapon, and stole her cash, mobile phone, and other belongings. The robber then forced her to transfer money through an app using her banking information before leaving, puncturing her car's tires along the way.

Ehsan expressed concern about the safety measures implemented by online ride-hailing services for female passengers, but highlighted the need for additional protection for women working as drivers. She noted that it can be challenging for drivers to identify who has booked a ride, as some male passengers create accounts using women's names.

Despite facing harassment and robbery, Ehsan has also encountered respectful and polite male passengers. As a single mother of three, Ehsan turned to online cab driving during a time of severe financial hardship. She owns a car and has the skill to drive, allowing her to earn a living without significant initial investment. Ehsan's financial struggles have increased due to rising fuel prices.

Previously, she completed around 10 to 15 rides per day, but now averages about eight or nine. Despite the decline in rides, she sometimes drives late into the night to cover her children's school fees, electricity bills, and other household expenses. Prior to becoming an online cab driver, Ehsan worked in the garment industry before a medical complication left her unable to work for some time.

Her mother and children provided support during this period. Ehsan's primary goal is to provide her children with a stable home and financial security. Despite the hardships she has faced, Ehsan remains determined to support her family and urges other women in difficult circumstances not to lose hope or resort to extreme measures.