A British-Pakistani biker has embarked on an ambitious journey from the United Kingdom to Pakistan, aiming to become the first woman to ride a motorbike from London to Lahore. The historic ride is being undertaken by Guliafshan Tariq, a Manchester-based software engineer who hopes the journey will highlight women’s empowerment and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
Tariq, originally from Sargodha in Punjab, began her ride from London and plans to cross multiple countries across Europe and Asia before reaching Lahore. Her journey has already drawn attention from the international biking community as well as supporters in Pakistan and the UK.
Journey aimed at promoting women’s empowerment
Before starting her trip, Tariq explained that the ride is not only about adventure but also about sending a message of empowerment.
She said: “This ride is dedicated to Pakistan and its strong women, especially rural women who are the real face of women empowerment.”
The biker added that she hopes her journey will encourage women to believe in their abilities and challenge limitations.
“I want to inspire other women and also want my daughter to know that her mum did this,” she said. “This is a message for my daughter and for women who don’t have rights, opportunities and need encouragement.”
Tariq lives in Manchester with her husband and young daughter. Her family has already travelled to Pakistan and is waiting for her arrival at the end of the journey.
Route covers several countries across Europe and Asia
The biker’s route is expected to take her through several European countries before heading toward Asia.
She plans to ride from London to France, Switzerland and Italy, then take a ferry to Greece before continuing her journey to Istanbul in Turkiye.
Originally, Tariq intended to travel through Iran and then enter Pakistan, possibly via Afghanistan, before completing the final stretch to Lahore. However, the ongoing conflict in the region has created uncertainty about the exact route she will take.
If the situation does not improve, she may choose an alternative route through the Middle East or temporarily store her motorcycle in Georgia before flying to Pakistan and completing the journey from Karachi to Lahore on another bike.
Support from international biking community
Before departing, several experienced international bikers gathered at a café in London to wish Tariq success on her journey and offer advice about the long ride ahead.
Many of the riders have previously travelled across Pakistan and shared their experiences with her.
Tariq is already well known among the biking community. In the past, she completed a cycling journey from Islamabad to the Khunjerab Pass, which stands at around 16,000 feet above sea level.
At the age of 24, she also entered the National Book of Records after travelling solo on a motorcycle to every district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, covering nearly 3,000 kilometres in 20 days.
A journey driven by passion and inspiration
Tariq says her love for travel was inspired by her father, who explored many countries around the world.
“My father travelled all over the world. He was passionate about travelling and living his life,” she said.
Despite early concerns about safety, her family has supported her ambition. Tariq believes Pakistan has a vibrant biking culture and hopes her ride will draw more attention to it.
Her journey from London to Lahore is expected to take several weeks and could become a landmark moment for female motorcyclists from South Asia.
