Earlier, we reported on a UK-based Pakistani woman biker setting out on a long-distance journey from London to Pakistan, aimed at promoting women’s participation in motorcycling and challenging global perceptions.
That journey has now reached a key milestone.
British-Pakistani rider Gul-i-Afshan Tariq has arrived in Karachi, where she was received by members of the local biking community and officials at a reception held in her honor at the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum.
A Homecoming With a Story to Tell
At the reception, the blonde rider wearing a black biker jacket with armored elbows, holding her helmet under her arm, spoke fluent Urdu, surprising many attendees.
Despite her international lifestyle, Gul-i-Afshan’s roots remain firmly in Pakistan. She belongs to Sargodha, is married into a family from Swat, and currently resides in Manchester, UK.
Her journey, however, is far from over. She intends to return to Manchester after completing her solo world tour, though she admits the separation from her young daughter, three-and-a-half-year-old Anaya Ali, has been difficult.
The Journey: Europe, Challenges, and Detours
According to Dawn’s report, Gul-i-Afshan began her journey from the United Kingdom on a BMW G 310 GS, which she has named “Niki,” inspired by Greek mythology, meaning “victory.”
On this motorcycle, she traveled across several European countries, including France, Switzerland, and Italy, meeting fellow riders and gaining recognition at biking events.
In Turkey, she received strong support from the Pakistani community.
“I always save up to pay for my travel expenditures, but there is so much goodwill wherever I go,” she noted, adding that locals often insisted on hosting her.
However, not all parts of the journey went as planned.
She had intended to travel through countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Syria, but security concerns forced her to turn back. At one point, she was close enough to hear gunfire, prompting her to reroute towards Istanbul and later Bulgaria.
Even then, she extended her journey unexpectedly, riding an additional 600 kilometers in Bulgaria to meet another woman biker.
A Forced Shift in the Route
Despite covering significant ground across Europe, Gul-i-Afshan was ultimately unable to bring her UK-registered motorcycle into Pakistan.
As reported by Dawn, she had to leave her BMW G 310 GS in Bulgaria and fly to Pakistan.
To continue her journey, she arranged to rent a locally available Zongshen RX3, which she says offers a riding experience similar to that of her original bike.
Also read: Pakistan to Establish First Lithium Battery Plant in Karachi
Arrival in Karachi
Upon arrival, Gul-i-Afshan was welcomed by a group of women bikers at Hill Park in Karachi, reflecting a growing, though still niche, community of female riders in Pakistan.
She also attended an official reception at the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum.
At the event, Managing Director of the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation, Feyaz Ali Shah, described her as a strong example of women’s empowerment. He added that her journey and the content she plans to share through videos would help present Pakistan to international audiences as a peaceful and hospitable country.
Purpose Behind the Ride
Gul-i-Afshan’s journey is part of her broader initiative, “Wheels for Freedom,” which focuses on breaking stereotypes, celebrating cultures, and encouraging women to pursue motorcycling.
“I left Pakistan for higher studies. Wherever I went, I used to hear strange things about my beautiful country,” she said, explaining that her experiences abroad motivated her to represent Pakistan positively.
She also observed that many people she met internationally were unaware of the presence of women bikers in Pakistan.
Alongside her travels, she is documenting her experiences in a book centered on her journey and its underlying message.
What Comes Next
Now in Pakistan, Gul-i-Afshan plans to continue riding across the country, with stops expected in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Multan, Lahore, and the northern areas.
She has also expressed interest in visiting Iran again on her return, depending on the situation.
A Continuing Narrative
What began as a solo ride from London has now evolved into a broader, ongoing journey, one shaped by detours, adaptations, and community support.
With her arrival in Pakistan, the story enters a new phase, shifting from an international expedition to a domestic exploration while continuing to highlight women’s presence and potential in motorcycling.
Get instant updates — follow PakWheels on Google News.
Comments are closed.