Yango Accused of Defrauding Drivers in Pakistan

Yango Accused of Defrauding Drivers in Pakistan"

In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a boom in ride-hailing services, providing a convenient alternative to public transportation. Among the major players in this space, Yango, a globally recognized ride-hailing platform, has been expanding its operations across various cities in Pakistan. However, allegations of fraudulent practices by Yango towards its drivers have surfaced, sparking outrage and concern across the country.

Promises Made, Trust Broken

When Yango entered the Pakistani market, it promised opportunities for drivers to earn competitive wages while offering commuters reliable and affordable services. The company launched attractive driver sign-up campaigns, including bonuses, flexible working hours, and guarantees of fair treatment.

However, complaints from drivers suggest that Yango has failed to deliver on these promises. Several drivers have come forward claiming the company has adopted unfair practices, including withholding earnings, excessive commission cuts, and unjustified penalties.

Drivers Speak Out

Ali Raza, a driver based in Karachi, shared his frustration:

"When I joined Yango, they promised a weekly bonus if I completed 60 rides. I worked long hours and achieved the target, but the bonus never came. When I contacted customer support, they kept delaying the issue until I gave up."

Another driver, Shabbir Khan from Lahore, reported an even more troubling issue.

"Yango deactivated my account without any prior warning, claiming I violated their policies. I had money pending in my account, but they refused to pay me. This is nothing less than theft."

Increasing Commissions

Initially, Yango attracted drivers by offering low commission rates compared to competitors. But over time, drivers allege that the company has gradually increased its commission percentage without proper notice. Many claim that after factoring in fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and Yango’s cut, their earnings are barely enough to make ends meet.

Lack of Transparency

One of the primary grievances is the lack of transparency in Yango’s operations. Drivers report unexplained deductions from their earnings, ambiguous terms and conditions, and poor customer support. The automated responses from Yango’s support team often leave drivers without resolution, further escalating their frustrations.

"We work hard to provide a service and depend on our earnings to feed our families," said Asad Mehmood, a driver from Islamabad. "But Yango treats us like we are disposable."

Legal and Regulatory Concerns

The allegations against Yango raise serious legal and regulatory concerns. Under Pakistani labor and consumer protection laws, businesses are obligated to treat employees and contractors fairly. However, ride-hailing companies often operate in a legal gray area, classifying drivers as independent contractors to avoid providing employee benefits or adhering to labor laws.

Experts believe that the lack of strict regulation in the gig economy allows companies like Yango to exploit drivers. Lawyers and activists are calling on the government to introduce policies that ensure transparency, fair treatment, and accountability for ride-hailing services operating in Pakistan.

Social Media Backlash

The issue has also gained traction on social media, with hashtags like #YangoFraud and #JusticeForDrivers trending on Twitter. Drivers and activists are sharing their experiences and urging others to boycott the platform until the company addresses these concerns.

Many customers, upon learning about the alleged exploitation, have also expressed their disappointment.

"We trusted Yango for its convenience and affordability, but if they are mistreating their drivers, we need to stand against it," tweeted one user.

Yango’s Response

Despite the growing criticism, Yango has yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations. Attempts to reach their local office for comments have been unsuccessful. This silence has further fueled suspicions and added to the growing mistrust among drivers and customers alike.

The Way Forward

The controversy surrounding Yango highlights the challenges faced by gig workers in Pakistan and the urgent need for better regulatory frameworks. As more drivers and customers demand accountability, the company’s future in Pakistan may depend on its willingness to address these issues and rebuild trust.

For now, the drivers remain united in their fight for justice, hoping that their voices will prompt action and lead to fairer practices in the ride-hailing industry.