RAWALPINDI:

Unemployment, inflation, privatisation of government institutions, and skyrocketing utility bills have forced government and private sector employees to take up part-time work as motorcycle riders for app-based bike-hailing services and food delivery chains.

Not only lower-grade employees but even staff up to scale-16 have started riding for Bykea and food delivery services after working hours, with the number of riders in Rawalpindi reaching 25,000.

Women have also entered the field, catering exclusively to female passengers, while rising fares have pushed women passengers to increasingly use male bike-hailing services as well.

As bike-hailing services offer lower fares—charging Rs200 for routes where rickshaws demand Rs400–500—traditional taxi, rickshaw, and Qingqi busine

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