BY Syed Wahaj Ahmed
Putting on a smile and thanking Almighty Allah, Mohammad Abbas who looks content and satisfied after becoming an entrepreneur has been sinking in his wheelchair and sharing his views that he is able to run a small kiosk with groceries in his own locality of Lyari, Karachi.
He said he is now able to scratch a decent living as he is a breadwinner of a poor family as this dream comes true that he is running a business without taking any loan from any commercial bank or an affluent person.
“I am also singled out as one of beneficiaries are benefiting from this scheme,” he said.
Albert Mushtaque from Korangi-5, Mohammad Kamran and Mohammad Tayyab from Lines Area and others shared similar views as they all belong to needy families where there is a grueling order to make the both ends meet because of runaway inflation, skyrocketing unemployment and testing economic challenges.
The inDrive Rozgar Initiative is being bankrolled by inDrive and a technical and social support given by HANDS Pakistan where a total of 100 impoverished and physically-challenged blokes are making better use of this initiative. The inDrive will give 100 people kiosks or rented shops with products as per need of various localities in three main cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Newly-established entrepreneurs will be given financial support for six months in terms of a rent of a shop or products. The stalls or shops consist of groceries, tyre repair shops, easyload, confectionery and others.
InDrive, a leading ride-hailing company, has announced the launch of the inDrive Rozgar initiative. This groundbreaking project aims to establish 100 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with an investment of Rs7.5 million from inDrive.
The partnership between inDrive and HANDS Pakistan signifies a significant step towards empowering communities and fostering economic independence. HANDS Pakistan, a leading nonprofit organisation, has been dedicated to integrated development since 1979, focusing on healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, clean water and sanitation facilities, and resilient infrastructure.
Sidra Kiran, PR and Communications Lead at inDrive Pakistan emphasised the significance of the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with HANDS Pakistan to launch the inDrive Rozgar initiative. This collaboration reflects our commitment to driving positive change and empowering communities in Pakistan. Through sustainable entrepreneurship, we aim to create opportunities for individuals to thrive and contribute to the country’s development by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to marginalized individuals in urban areas.”
Shaikh Maaz Tanveer, Head of Communication and Resource Development at HANDS Pakistan, expressed his gratitude for the partnership, stating, “Our partnership with inDrive is a key intervention in furthering our vision of Khudmukhtaari (self-reliance). Through the establishment of 100 SMEs provided to marginalized individuals in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, we are making over a hundred families self-sustainable.”
The inDrive Rozgar initiative comes at a critical time, addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by communities, particularly in the wake of recent inflationary pressures.
This partnership aims to provide long-term support to individuals and families, ensuring Long-term economic stability beyond the immediate aftermath of Ramadan.
“We are thankful to inDrive for their support and look forward to building our partnership further in the future,” added Maaz Tanveer.
The inDrive Rozgar initiative underscores inDrive’s commitment to social responsibility and driving positive change in communities. Through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives, inDrive continues to make significant contributions to Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
