Lasbela CCI president opposes ban on Careem, Uber

President, Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ismail Suttar has strongly objected to the ban on Uber and Careem car services. "Careem and Uber started their services in Pakistan in 2015. Now, government is imposing ban on them, why," he asked. As a businessman, he expressed dismay at the decision of the government and their short-sightedness and opposed their decision.
Suttar said that the government objected that the two companies were offering commercial services without registration with any regulatory body, lack of fitness certificates and route permits and they were causing loss to the government exchequer and a security threat for general public.
"Why Careem and Uber were not asked to register their vehicles and obtain the certificates and permits at the time when they were establishing their businesses," Suttar asked expressing surprise.
He said that in view of the current condition of all the taxis, buses and auto-rickshaws, government should tell if the most of them had got their fitness permits or even passed inspection.
"Where the concern of the government vanishes when the reckless bus drivers in Karachi endanger lives of innocent civilians and many a times harm them," he asked making it clear that Careem and Uber had helped a lot of people get better employment opportunities which they would not have been able to get if they had just driven the traditional taxis. He said that they enjoy better incomes while improving their outlook which will help them increase their standard of living as well.
Lasbela CCI president said that the consumers greatly benefited from these services and prefer them to other public transport. He said this has brought strong competition in the public transport sector which is a good thing. He said current system couldn't be improved without strong competition.
"Why do you undermine a system which is helping the citizens of Pakistan towards better livelihood? Banning them is not a solution. First, they should be allowed to meet requirements and if the companies do not comply with the government policy, then action may be taken," he said.