Senate approves new legal framework for online ride-hailing services in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Senate on Wednesday approved a bill establishing a legal framework for online ride-hailing services in Islamabad, a move aimed at regulating the booming sector and addressing long-standing safety and administrative concerns.

Under the new law, all drivers associated with ride-hailing platforms must be registered with the relevant authority. Companies operating in Islamabad will be required to obtain an official operation certificate before starting services, and unregistered drivers will not be allowed to provide rides in the city.

The bill also sets strict requirements for drivers and vehicles. Drivers must hold a valid driving license and a special permit, while vehicles must have proper registration and an annual fitness certificate. Ride-hailing companies will be responsible for maintaining complete records of their drivers and vehicles and providing real-time data to authorities when required.

Senate officials said the law was introduced to bring order to a sector that has been operating for years without a comprehensive legal framework, leading to various safety and administrative issues. The new rules are expected to “level the playing field” and ensure accountability for both drivers and ride-hailing companies.