Federal Ombudsman requires safety tests, anti-harassment protocols and compliance with workplace harassment law
Yango Pakistan and InDrive Pakistan, two of the largest transport services companies operating in the country, have been directed to demonstrate compliance with the Workplace Act 2010 after multiple complaints of sexual harassment were made against their drivers.
Complainants to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office for Protection Against Harassment detailed unwanted sexual advances, verbal harassment, inappropriate behavior and frequent detours from designated routes.
The Ombudsman has requested evidence of compliance with the Protection from Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010 from Yango Pakistan and InDrive in two separate notices, including:
- Evidence of a Statutory Mandated Inquiry Committee (Section 3 of the Act)
- Proof of display and dissemination of the official Code of Conduct (Section 11)
- Detailed internal protocols to address harassment complaints
- All passenger safety systems, such as driver screening, route monitoring, in-app safety tools, and staff training mechanisms.
- A complete record of all complaints related to harassment from the last three years.
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A FOSPAH spokesperson said The express PAkGazette that private transportation companies “have a great responsibility to ensure safe, dignified and respectful travel environments, especially for the women who depend on these services daily.”
Responding to the notice, Yango’s spokesperson said The express PAkGazette that the company maintains a “zero tolerance policy” when it comes to customer safety.
He insisted that the app has 24/7 customer support and that internal security teams follow strict protocols to investigate these types of complaints. “[It] it usually is [within] “In a matter of hours we will receive the initial information.”
The company then “permanently” bans the driver and vehicle to prevent them from working on the platform again, the spokesperson said, adding that passengers are also given guidance on how they can take legal action.
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Additionally, Yango requires drivers to complete a verification process, which involves proof of driver’s license, vehicle documentation and personal data. Regular “selfie verification” checks are also carried out, the spokesperson added.
InDrive representatives shared similar policies when approached The express PAkGazette to comment. They maintained that they “suspended” the account of the accused driver while they investigate the matter. If found guilty, the driver is completely banned from the platform.
InDrive further ensures that every trip is tracked via GPS and the app automatically detects unusual travel patterns or deviations from designated routes. Additionally, passengers can share live trip details with up to five trusted contacts on the app, the spokesperson said.
Both transportation companies maintained that they provide immediate 24-hour emergency support.
