Pakistan’s transgender community has launched its very first ride-sharing service, a step aimed at safeguarding trans individuals from discrimination and harassment, the founder disclosed on Wednesday. The novel ride-share named SheDrives commenced operations over the weekend in Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural hub. Ammaz Farooqi, the company’s CEO, mentioned that the service would cater exclusively to trans people and women.

Initially servicing only Lahore, the company envisions potential expansion in the future. The transgender community has embraced the new ride-share with optimism, anticipating a reduction in harassment incidents targeting trans individuals on the roads.

Lahore is home to an estimated 30,000 trans individuals, with organizations advocating for their well-being approximating a nationwide transgender population of around 500,000 out of Pakistan’s 240 million total inhabitants.

In Pakistan, predominantly a Muslim country, trans individuals often face exclusion and are vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including sexual assault and violence. The launch of SheDrives aims to provide a safe transportation option for trans and women passengers, symbolized by pink logos on the vehicles for easy recognition.

Founder Farooqi expressed a positive outlook for a more inclusive future and hinted at potential expansion of the service to other cities. Following the ride service’s launch, Saro Imran, a trans individual, suggested the government consider offering motorcycles and cars on loan to trans persons and women to mitigate harassment in public spaces.

Samina Khawar, a 22-year-old university student, welcomed the service after a concerning experience of being duped into giving a ride to a deceptive passenger pretending to be trans. Punjab traffic police announced special driving classes for transgender and women at their driving centers in eastern Punjab province to promote equal opportunities and respectful treatment.

In recent years, Pakistan has made strides in transgender rights, including the establishment of a hotline, the opening of a government-run school in Multan for transgender students, and the drafting of a bill allowing trans individuals to choose their gender identity on official documents. However, these efforts have faced opposition from conservative factions, indicating the need for broader social acceptance and recognition of transgender individuals.