Engines revving, Pakistan’s first all-women food delivery workers ride with pride

1 / 5
Bisma Mujahid (L), Asma Rani, Beenish Maria and Sadia Eida, Pakistan’s first all-women food delivery crew, pose with their tea-pink scooters outside KFC in Lahore on March 6, 2019. (AN photo by Mohsin Raza)
Updated 08 March 2019
Follow

Engines revving, Pakistan’s first all-women food delivery workers ride with pride

  • Meet the “Dame Riders” who can be seen cruising around the streets of Lahore on pink bikes delivering KFC orders
  • “There is a message in this project: the roads belong to women also,” said Shaista Jan at Community Support Concern, the microfinance firm behind the project

LAHORE: For a few blocks of quiet streets, Asma Rani had Lahore’s upmarket Model Town neighborhood to herself.
There were no other cars or motorcycles around her as she zoomed through the winding alleys, afraid the winter air would soon cool the steaming order of fried chicken and chips in her barbie-pink food delivery kit.
As Rani emerged on Model Town’s main Link Road, a man on a motorbike first slowed down as he caught sight of her pink scooter, then sped up, to match her pace. “Oh! Hello!” he shouted. A rickety white carry van with a sticker bearing the first Kalima of Islam plastered across its front windshield also tried to catch up.




Asma Rani, 27, adjusts the strap of her pink helmet as she prepares to go deliver an order on March 6, 2019. On a recent delivery run, an old man emerged from his house to collect his order and put his hand out to shake hers. When she quickly took off her helmet, he was shocked to see it was a woman. “He put his hand on my head, gave me love,” Rani said. “He said, well done, my daughter.” (AN photo by Mohsin Raza)

For more photos, click here.

Rani drove on, her engine revving, unfazed by the stir the sight of a woman on two wheels was causing on one of Lahore city’s busiest thoroughfares. 
The 27-year old is one of ten women who make up Pakistan’s first all-female food delivery crew. For the last two months, the “Dame Riders” have been cruising around Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, delivering KFC orders. They are hard to miss in their fluorescent pink helmets and blazing red windbreakers, their custom-made scooters painted a soft tea-pink. 
The project, a partnership between KFC and the microfinance wing of a local NGO, Community Support Concern (CSC), is a bold and rare initiative in a conservative Muslim country where women barely account for 22 percent of the workforce and where fathers, brothers and husbands often dictate women’s movements, even in modern metropoles. Restrictions imposed on women by men against using most forms of public transport limit their ability to leave their neighborhoods for work or education, according to a 2017 study by the International Growth Center. 
“There is a message in this project: that the roads belong to women also,” said CSC CEO Shaista Jan, who first conceived the idea of female delivery workers three years ago. 
Nayab Jan, the head of business development at CSC, said the project was all about achieving “mobility equality.”
“Why can’t women drive scooters?” she said. “And why can’t women drive scooters and using them to do the kind of jobs, like delivering food, that men do all the time? That’s the thinking behind this.”
A major catalyst for the project was Women on Wheels, a campaign launched by Pakistan’s largest province of Punjab last year in which 3,500 women from poor backgrounds were trained to ride bikes. 
In its first phase, CSC has taught existing KFC women employees to ride motorcycles and loaned them the cash to purchase scooters at an interest rate of 15 percent — much lower than the 26 percent market rate — which the girls have to pay back in two years. The down payments for the bikes were covered by KFC, which also pays for the girls’ fuel and insurance.
The project was launched in January with a first batch of ten women. By 2019, CSC’s Nayab Jan said, she hoped to see at least 80 young girls like Rani and her crew out delivering food on the streets of Lahore. 
“Right now another ten girls are under training and will be added to the crew soon,” said Muhammad Nawaz, who runs the project for KFC. 
Other than the occasional catcalls, none of the delivery girls reported any harassment while on their runs. The reason might be a system of checks that KFC and CSC have instituted to ensure the girls’ safety.
The girls mostly take orders from KFC’s trusted customers, women and commercial offices, and deliver between the hours of 12-6pm. Next mont, KFC plans to launch a GPS tracking system that will give the customer and the restaurant access to the riders’ movements. 
Standing outside a KFC branch in Model Town, Bisma Mujahid, 24, laughed as she said she did not even know how to ride a bicycle a few months ago.
“In the beginning I used to be very scared,” she said, playing with the plastic blue frames of her glasses. “Now, I’m teaching girls in my neighborhood how to ride. And I can get home quickly to watch PSL,” she added, referring to an ongoing tournament of Pakistan’s national cricket league.
A few weeks ago, Mujahid said a traffic policeman signalled her to stop while she was on a delivery run and her heart sank thinking she was about to get a ticket. 
“But he just told me, ‘well done, you’re doing great,’” Mujahid said. “And then he asked me where I got my scooter from, he said maybe he would buy one for his daughter.”
At home, Mujahid has aging parents and four sisters to support and says her wages and tips from delivering food have made “everything easier.”
The delivery women are paid a base salary of Rs.20,000 ($143) a month. Tips and a fuel allowance almost double their take-home. 
Last month, Rani said she delivered 86 orders. A tall women with flowing silky hair dyed a deep mahogany, Rani arrived in Lahore two years ago from small town Kasur in eastern Pakistan to study and find means to support her parents and four siblings. She began by working at a boutique and later at a beauty salon before getting a job as a cashier at KFC. 
When she heard last year that the restaurant would be training girls to become delivery workers, she immediately signed up.
“Because of this, I have escaped so many problems in my life,” Rani said, pursing her wide, red mouth. “I can’t explain it but I just want to say that my life has changed completely.”
On a delivery round in early March, a woman customer exchanged a few words with Rani and then handed over Rs.500 ($3.5). 
“That’s really good,” she said as she got back on her bike and sped away to deliver her next order, her eyes darting between the road and incoming traffic. 
Usually, she explained when she returned to the restaurant, delivery workers made less than a thousand rupees ($7) in tips each day. But people often gave the girls a little extra.
But the best part of her job, said Beenish Maria, a petite, 24-year-old wearing bubblegum pink lipstick, was that it was “fun.”
Maria moved to Lahore with her family as a young child from a tiny village on the outskirts of Faisalabad. Until a year ago, she made about Rs,5,000 ($38) a month teaching physics to high schoolers. 
When she first became a delivery worker, people in her family and neighborhood passed “disheartening comments.”
“They said ‘you are a girl, what are you doing,’” she said as she wiped the seat of her scooter. “I used to feel bad but then I think about what I am doing, that I am different, and I feel okay.”
During a recent phone chat with relatives from her village, Maria felt vindicated when a cousin asked her if Maria would give her a ride on her scooter when she next visited Lahore.
“I’ve learnt to stop worrying and just have fun,” she said. “You just have to keep doing what you have to do.”
As the sun set over the KFC branch, Sadia Eida, 24, said she was going to stop at the beauty salon before heading home.
“It’s time for a facial,” she said with a smirk. As the girls wheeled their bikes out of the KFC parking lot, I asked them what the worst part of their job was.
“Having to tell people again and again, ‘No, this is not my brother’s bike,’” said Rani, rolling her eyes. “Or my husband’s,” said Beenish as she hopped on her scooter. “God, I don’t even have a husband.” 


Pakistan PM forms special sub-committees to promote ‘cashless’ economy

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan PM forms special sub-committees to promote ‘cashless’ economy

  • Committees to provide recommendations on facilitating payments between public and businesses, raise awareness about digital systems
  • Pakistan is a cash-dominated market where a significant portion of transactions, particularly in informal sector, are conducted using cash

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed three special sub-committees to promote a “cashless” system in the country, his office said on Monday amid Islamabad’s efforts to promote digital transactions to ensure more transparency in the national economy. 

Pakistan is a cash-dominated market where a significant portion of transactions, particularly in the informal sector, are conducted using cash. Pakistan’s central bank has taken steps in recent months to ensure a more cashless economy so that financial transactions are more traceable, reducing chances of tax evasion and corruption. 

Pakistan has witnessed significant growth in digital transactions in recent years. The country’s central bank said in April that its instant payment system, Raast, has processed over 892 million transactions amounting to Rs20 trillion ($72 billion) since its launch in 2021. 

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting on promoting a cashless economy,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement. “He directed the formation of three committees: Digital Payments Innovation and Adoption Committee, the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee and the Government Payments Committee.”

The press release said these special sub-committees would present recommendations on facilitating payments between the public and businesses, raise awareness about digital systems, activate the Pakistan Digital Authority and simplify transactions between the public and private sectors.

Sharif instructed officials to ensure digital transactions are made more affordable and easier for the public compared to cash ones. He further directed that the RAAST digital payment system be established across the federation and all Pakistani provinces.

“Establishing a digital transaction system is extremely important to bring transparency into the economy,” Sharif was quoted as saying. “Around the world, developed nations and successful economies are prioritizing cashless systems.”

During a briefing given to the premier on the government’s steps to promote a cashless economy, Sharif was told that 40 million users in total are benefiting from RAAST. The Pakistani premier was told that the federal government’s entire financial transactions are being conducted via RAAST and the system is being expanded to provinces as well.

“The Pakistan Digital Authority has been established, and work is underway under its umbrella to promote a cashless economy,” the PMO said. 

The prime minister was also briefed that through the IT ministry’s Smart Islamabad Pilot Project, the government is taking steps to make Islamabad the first cashless city in Pakistan. 


Pakistan to face Qatar in Asian Volleyball Nations Cup semifinal today

Updated 23 min 27 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan to face Qatar in Asian Volleyball Nations Cup semifinal today

  • Pakistan defeated Indonesia 3-1 in quarterfinals to book semifinal berth
  • Tournament serves as qualifier for 2026 Asian Volleyball Championship

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on Qatar today, Monday, in the semifinal of the 2025 Asian Volleyball Nations Cup in Bahrain, state-run media reported.

The tournament is being played in Manama from June 17 to 24 and features 12 teams. These include Pakistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Thailand, Qatar, Australia, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam and New Zealand.

The tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Volleyball Championship, with top-performing teams earning world ranking points and potential entry into the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB World Championships.

“The semifinals of the Asian Volleyball Nations Cup are being played today,” Pakistan State Television (PTV) said in a report on Monday. “Pakistan will face Qatar in the first semifinal of the event being played in Bahrain.”

Pakistan defeated Indonesia 3-1 in the quarterfinals to book the semifinal berth. The second semifinal will be played between Bahrain and South Korea.

Qatar will head into the match with some confidence, considering they beat Pakistan last year by a score of 25-22, 25-20, 25-19 in the same championship held in Bahrain. 

The match is scheduled to be held at 19:00 local time (16:00 Coordinated Universal Time).

In August 2024, Pakistan defeated Japan 3-0 to clinch the bronze medal at the Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship.

Volleyball is a steadily growing sport in Pakistan governed by the Pakistan Volleyball Federation. The Pakistan volleyball team has shown consistent improvement in regional and international competitions.

Pakistan regularly participates in events such as the Asian Games and Asian Volleyball Championships, with the men’s team recently recording notable wins in regional tournaments. 


Pakistan PM summons National Security Committee meeting as Middle East tensions surge

Updated 23 June 2025
Follow

Pakistan PM summons National Security Committee meeting as Middle East tensions surge

  • Chaired by the prime minister, NSC is the principal decision-making body on Pakistan’s national security matters 
  • Experts warn Pakistan, which shares a porous border with Iran, may face security, economic challenges as conflict worsens

KARACHI: Pakistan’s premier Shehbaz Sharif has summoned a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) today, Monday, an official of the Prime Minister House confirmed amid surging tensions in the Middle East following the United States’ (US) involvement in the Iran-Israel military conflict. 

The NSC is the principal decision-making body on Pakistan’s national security matters. Chaired by the prime minister, it comprises the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, finance, interior, information and senior military leadership. 

The meeting will take place a day after US targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities, joining Israel in its military conflict against Iran which began on June 13. Israel had launched strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites and targeted its military leadership, saying its attack intended to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. 

“This [NSC meeting] is to happen today,” the official confirmed to Arab News, adding that a statement about the meeting will be released as well. 

The development takes place a day after Pakistan’s mission to the United Nations (UN) announced Islamabad, Beijing and Moscow will present a joint resolution at the UN Security Council calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. 

As per a copy of the draft seen by Arab News, the resolution calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue to reach an agreement acceptable to all parties that “guarantees the exclusively peaceful nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for complete lifting of all multilateral and unilateral sanctions.”

Pakistan has condemned the US strikes against Iran, with its UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calling on the Security Council on Monday to act “urgently and decisively,” warning against the danger posed to the populations of the region as the war intensifies. 

Experts warn Pakistan, which shares a 900-kilometer porous border with Iran in its southwestern region prone to separatist militancy and cross-border attacks, will face additional security and economic challenges due to the worsening conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv. 

Financial analysts have warned that surging global oil prices due to the worsening conflict will cause economic setbacks for Pakistan, which relies on expensive fuel imports for its energy demands. Islamabad is grappling with a macroeconomic crisis amid a precarious balance of payment position. 

The crisis also raises questions about how Islamabad will navigate its delicate balancing act between Iran, other Gulf partners, and the US, which remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a critical source of military and economic assistance. How Pakistan manages these competing ties amid an escalating regional conflict could test its diplomacy in the coming weeks.


Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir to star alongside India’s Diljit Dosanjh in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’

Updated 23 June 2025
Follow

Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir to star alongside India’s Diljit Dosanjh in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’

  • Dosanjh announces Sardaar Ji 3 will release on June 27 in theaters around the world except India 
  • Frequent political tensions between India and Pakistan prevent artists from working with each other

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir recently shared the trailer of her upcoming Indian Punjabi horror-comedy movie “Sardaar Ji 3” in which she stars alongside famed Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh, announcing that the film will release in cinemas around the world except India on June 27.

Frequent political tensions between bitter rivals India and Pakistan have restricted artists from both countries from working with each other over the years. Indian producers imposed an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists in 2016 after ties deteriorated. Pakistan also banned the screening of Indian movies after relations with New Delhi reached a new low in 2019 over the disputed Kashmir region.

Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir (R) and Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh in the trailer of their upcoming punjabi film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, released on June 23, 2025. (Screengrab/ @whitehillmusic/ Youtube) 

Tensions between India and Pakistan surged in May after they engaged in a days-long military conflict before the United States brokered a ceasefire between them. Several Indian media outlets reported this month that Aamir has been replaced as the female lead from Sardaar Ji 3 following the latest hostilities between the neighbors.

“SARDAAR JI 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only!” Aamir wrote on social media platform Instagram on Sunday, sharing the trailer of the film. 

Dosanjh confirmed on his Instagram as well that the movie will not release in India. 

“Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only,” the Indian actor wrote.

The movie has been directed by Aamr Hundal and other than Dosanjh and Aamir, stars Gulshan Grover, Neeru Bajwa, Jasmin Bajwa and Manav Ji in prominent roles. 

Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir in the trailer of her upcoming punjabi film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, released on June 23, 2025. (Screengrab/ @whitehillmusic/ Youtube) 

As per the film’s trailer, Aamir and Neeru Bajwa both play romantic leads opposite Dosanjh. All three work together as ghost hunters tasked with removing a spirit from a mansion in the UK. 

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor’s Bollywood film “Abir Gulaal” was scheduled to release in India on May 9. However, India’s broadcasting ministry said in April it would not allow the film to be released in the country following the April 22 killing of 26 people at a tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir.

India accused Pakistan of being involved in the attack, which Islamabad denied. After weeks of tensions, both countries engaged in armed conflict before the ceasefire on May 10. 


Pakistan urges UN Security Council to act ‘decisively’ as Iran-Israel conflict intensifies

Updated 23 June 2025
Follow

Pakistan urges UN Security Council to act ‘decisively’ as Iran-Israel conflict intensifies

  • Middle East tensions surged on Sunday after US carried out airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities
  • Pakistan calls for “peaceful, lasting resolution” to Iran’s nuclear issue via dialogue and diplomacy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations has urged the Security Council to act “urgently and decisively” to ensure cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, as tensions surge following Washington’s move to join the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. 

The international community has intensified its calls for peace in the Middle East after US carried out attacks against Iran’s key nuclear facilities on Sunday, joining Israel in the biggest Western military action against the Islamic Republic since its 1979 revolution.

Pakistan’s UN mission announced on Sunday that Islamabad, Beijing and Moscow will present a joint resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. The announcement was made as the Security Council convened an emergency session to discuss US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Pakistan has strongly condemned the American strikes, reiterating that Tehran reserves the right to respond under the UN Charter.

“As the body entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council must act urgently and decisively,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said during the Security Council emergency meeting. 

He said it was the Security Council’s collective responsibility to reject and condemn attacks against Iran launched since June 13, stating that they were in “clear contravention” of international law and the UN Charter. The Pakistani envoy reaffirmed that it was the Security Council’s obligation to protect civilian lives and properties on both sides. 

Ahmad called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a “complete ceasefire” in the Middle East. 

“Promote urgent recourse to dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, to find a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue,” the Pakistani ambassador said. 

Iran on Sunday requested for the UN Security Council meeting, calling on the 15-member body “to address this blatant and unlawful act of aggression, to condemn it in the strongest possible terms” following America’s strikes. 

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement on Sunday that the US and Israel “do not deserve any condemnation, but rather an expression of appreciation and gratitude for making the world a safer place.”

UN Secretary-General Guterres branded the US strikes on Iran as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.”

Iran’s UN Ambassador Ali Bahreini said Washington had decided to “destroy diplomacy” with its attacks, making it clear that the Iranian military will decide on the “timing, nature and scale” of its response.