Pakistan, Feb. 11 -- Karachi / Kathmandu - An ongoing controversy in Nepal involving the alleged misuse of foreign direct investment (FDI) structures linked to a local partner associated with ride-hailing platform InDrive has prompted calls for heightened regulatory scrutiny in other markets where the company operates, including Pakistan.

The issue surfaced following an investigative report by Nepalese media outlet AarthikNews, which alleges that Hemraj Dhakal, Vice-Chairman of Nepal's IME Group, structured transactions enabling the outflow of approximately USD 4 million (NPR 570 million / PKR 1.1 billion) under the cover of FDI-related arrangements.

While the matter remains under investigation in Nepal, financial and regulatory experts...