Lahore Female Cab Driver Shares Harrowing Experiences of Harassment and Robbery
A female online cab driver in Lahore has shared the difficult safety and financial challenges she has experienced during nearly a decade in the ride-hailing profession.
Amber Ehsan, who has worked as an online cab driver since 2015, recalled incidents involving passenger harassment and an armed robbery that left her deeply shaken.
Female Driver Recounts Harassment Incident
Ehsan said she once picked up a group of young passengers who allegedly harassed her during the ride. According to her account, the passengers cut her shirt and recorded videos of her.
The incident affected her so severely that she was unable to return to driving for almost a month.
She later faced another dangerous situation when a passenger asked her to stop at an isolated location. The man allegedly pulled out a weapon and took her cash, mobile phone, and other belongings.
He also forced her to transfer money through an app before leaving the area.
The robber then punctured both tires of her car, leaving her stranded, before fleeing the scene.
Calls for Greater Protection for Female Drivers
Ehsan said ride-hailing companies have introduced a number of safety features for female passengers, but similar protections are also important for women who work as drivers.
She highlighted concerns about passenger identification, explaining that drivers cannot always determine who will actually enter their vehicle based on the account information.
According to Ehsan, some male passengers use accounts registered under women’s names, making it difficult for female drivers to know who they are going to pick up.
Despite her experiences, she said not all interactions with male passengers have been problematic. She has also encountered many respectful and well-mannered customers during her years behind the wheel.
Online Cab Driving Helps Support Three Children
Ehsan is a single mother of three who turned to online cab driving during a period of serious financial hardship.
She already owned a car and knew how to drive, which allowed her to begin earning without requiring a large initial investment. She said women are often encouraged to pursue work such as sewing, embroidery, or makeup, but she decided to use her existing driving skills to earn a living.
When she entered the profession in 2015, female online cab drivers were still relatively uncommon.
Her children include a 23-year-old son, a nine-year-old son, and an adult daughter.
Rising Fuel Costs Reduce Daily Rides
Ehsan said increasing fuel prices have also affected her income. In the past, she would complete approximately 10 to 15 rides a day, while she now manages around eight or nine.
Despite the reduction in rides, she sometimes continues working until midnight, 1 AM, or even later to meet household expenses.
She said her earnings help cover costs including her children’s school fees, electricity bills, and other necessities.
From Garment Work to Driving
Before becoming an online cab driver, Ehsan worked in the garment industry. She later experienced a medical complication that left her bedridden for a period of time.
During that difficult phase, her mother supported her and helped care for her children.
Ehsan said her long-term goal is to provide her children with a house of their own and a permanent roof over their heads.
Although years of financial difficulties have been exhausting, she continues to work to support her family.
She also encouraged women facing difficult circumstances to remain hopeful and avoid taking extreme steps. Ehsan said challenges can be faced through courage, determination, and continued hard work.
