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Ever since private cabs entered Pakistan, there’s been a state of serenity in the air, as the general populous on very cheap rates, can travel in their respective cities. The two most famous foreign franchises, Careem and Uber have both successfully set-up shops in Pakistan and have provided thousands of ordinary people with a source of livelihood.
However, as of late, not all has been fine with the private cab industry. In the last month, three drivers have been murdered while they were on duty, looking for passengers to carry. Previously, in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, two Careem drivers lost their lives, which caused a huge storm on social media, as not just Careem and its employees, but ordinary citizenry protested against it as well.
Only a couple of weeks later, another driver has been murdered in Karachi. This time, the driver belonged to Careem’s main competitor, Uber. The 50-year-old driver has been recognized as Shahnawaz, who was also a former employee for Pakistan International Airlines. The unfortunate incident occurred in Karachi’s Bufferzone area.
As per the police, the Uber driver was shot from close range, which was the driver’s window. All other windows of the car remained closed but with no bullet marks. Police recovered three shells of a 0.30 bore pistol. While no motive of the murder has yet been proved, police believes that it could either have been personal enmity or others have had a theory about it as well.
Ever since the death of the first Careem captain, people believe that such articulate acts are being conducted by the local transport mafia, who have been extremely hurt by Careem and Uber. Ever since the cab-hailing-services entered Pakistan, the margin of profit for local rickshaw and taxi drivers has nullified. This, many believe, is the reason for the deaths of private-cab drivers, as a wave of terror is being sent to the general public, that riding with such services, or registering with them, can be harmful.
The old man’s son, Muhammad Arham, registered an FIR against unidentified men in the Taimuria police station, Karachi. As per reports, Mirza Shahnawaz Baig, even at this age, was trying to earn an honest livelihood for his family, which is why he worked late hours, driving an Uber. People on social media have condoled the driver’s death and questioned authorities on the same incident.
Now a 50 year old Uber driver is killed in Karachi.
You cannot work hard in this country. Just be a thug and enjoy your life.
— Kubra Khan (@iCobraKhan) March 18, 2018
Grudge against ride-hailing services a possible motive for Uber driver’s murder: police. Mirza Shahnawaz Baig was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in Karachi’s Nagan Chowrangi area on Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/JZcm5u51wI
— *Dr Barkat SOOMRO* (@DrBarkatSoomro) March 18, 2018
After two careem drivers were shot to death in Islamabad, another uber driver in karachi met the same fate.
— kashif (@therealsnorky) March 18, 2018
After two Careem captains were shot dead in Islamabad, yesterday an Uber driver was shot dead in Karachi.
They all are on roads to earn honest living, and LEAs are failing to protect them. Condolences to the family
— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) March 18, 2018
Extremely Sad. Our condolences to @Uber_PKR @Uber @dkhos . LEAs must step up security efforts. As is the case everytime, snatching incidents on the rise as elections comes close https://t.co/D4IXnhrAuw
— Junaid Iqbal (@JiqbalPK) March 18, 2018
We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the very tragic news. Our thoughts and hearts go out to our partner-driver Shahnawaz’s family and we extend our sincerest condolences. We are working with authorities to assist their investigation in any way we can.
— Uber Pakistan (@Uber_PKR) March 18, 2018
