A British-Pakistani female biker has begun an ambitious motorcycle journey from London to Lahore, aiming to raise awareness about women’s rights and challenge stereotypes surrounding women in adventure riding.
Guliafshan Tariq, who lives in Manchester with her husband and three-year-old daughter, set off from London and plans to travel across several European and Asian countries before reaching Pakistan. The cross-continental ride is expected to span thousands of kilometres and is already drawing attention from biking communities in both the United Kingdom and Pakistan.
A Journey Beyond Adventure
According to Geo News, Guliafshan is attempting to become the first female biker to travel from London to Lahore on a motorcycle.
Speaking to Geo News before beginning the journey, she said the ride carries a message beyond adventure.
“I am taking this journey to raise awareness about the rights of women in Pakistan,” she said, adding that she hopes the ride will encourage women to pursue their ambitions and prove that determination can help overcome social barriers.
Around a dozen international riders gathered at a bikers’ café in London to see her off. Several bikers who had previously travelled through Pakistan shared travel advice and safety tips before she started the journey.
Who Is Guliafshan Tariq?
Originally from Sargodha in Punjab, Guliafshan is a software engineer and marketing executive by profession and an adventure biker by passion. She is married into a family from Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Over the years, she has built a reputation in the adventure community and holds several notable achievements, including:
- A 2015 cycling journey from Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest border crossing at about 16,000 feet.
- Becoming the first woman to travel solo across every district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan on a motorbike, covering nearly 3,000 kilometres in 20 days.
- A solo paragliding attempt from Qaqlasht Plains at around 7,800 feet in 2017.
She says her passion for travel comes from her father, who travelled extensively around the world.
“My family was initially concerned about safety when I started travelling alone,” she said. “But eventually they supported my passion and stood by me.”
Route from London to Lahore
Tariq’s journey will take her through several countries before reaching Pakistan. Her planned route includes:
- London → France → Switzerland → Italy
- Ferry crossing from Italy to Greece
- Overland ride to Istanbul, Türkiye
From Türkiye, the original plan was to cross into Iran and then ride toward Pakistan before reaching Lahore.
However, due to ongoing regional tensions, the route may change depending on security conditions.
One alternative route considered was travelling through the Middle East to Oman and shipping the motorcycle by sea to Karachi, though this option is currently unavailable.
As a backup plan, Tariq may ride from Türkiye to Georgia, temporarily store her motorcycle there, fly to Karachi, and then complete the final stretch of the journey to Lahore on another motorcycle.
A Message for Women
Tariq says the ride is dedicated to Pakistani women, especially those living in rural areas.
“My husband and daughter are already in Pakistan waiting for me,” she said. “This journey is dedicated to Pakistan and its strong women, particularly rural women who represent the real face of empowerment.”
She added that her time living in Swat exposed her to the challenges many women faced during periods of instability.
“I want to inspire women and also show my daughter that her mother attempted something meaningful. This journey is a message for women who lack opportunities and encouragement.”
Growing Attention Around the Ride
The journey has already begun attracting attention on social media and among international adventure-riding communities. Several European riders who have travelled across Pakistan have expressed support and shared their experiences with her.
Tariq believes Pakistan has a vibrant motorcycle culture that is often overlooked internationally.
“Pakistan’s main mode of transport is motorcycles, and many women are now riding across the country out of passion,” she said.
If completed, the London-to-Lahore ride could highlight the growing presence of women in adventure motorcycling and inspire more riders to explore unconventional journeys.
The final route and timeline may continue to evolve depending on regional conditions, but Tariq remains determined to complete the journey and reach Lahore.
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