A UK woman biker in Karachi is drawing attention for more than just her solo journey. Gul-i-Afshan Tariq, a biker and traveller from Manchester with Pakistani roots, says her mission is to break stereotypes about women riders and show a different image of Pakistan to the world.
The Culture and Tourism Department of the Government of Sindh hosted a reception for Tariq at the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum on Saturday. Wearing armoured riding gear and speaking fluent Urdu, she made a strong impression on those who gathered to welcome her.
Originally from Sargodha and married into a family from Swat, she said she began hearing negative claims about Pakistan after leaving for higher studies. That experience, combined with her passion for motorbikes, inspired her to represent Pakistan at international bike shows and challenge assumptions about her country.
Tariq rides for a cause she calls “Wheels for Freedom,” which focuses on breaking barriers for women, celebrating cultures, and encouraging women riders worldwide. She is also writing a book centred on that mission.
Guliafshan Tariq began her motorcycle journey from the UK toward Pakistan but turned back near the Iran border due to protests and security risks.
She has now safely entered Bulgaria, left her UK motorcycle behind, and is flying to Karachi to continue her journey.
The Iran route… pic.twitter.com/9MwjoBaGLO
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) April 8, 2026She named her BMW 310CC GS bike “Niki,” inspired by Greek mythology and the word for victory. Riding that bike solo, she travelled through countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, and Turkey, where, she said, members of the Pakistani community warmly welcomed her.
Tariq said she usually saves for her own travel costs, but often encounters generosity along the way. In Turkey, she recalled, the local Pakistani community would not let her pay for her hotel stay.
She also spoke about the routes she could not complete. Tariq said she had hoped to visit Syria, Iraq and Iran, but turned back due to security concerns after hearing gunfire near those areas.
Later, she had to leave her UK-registered bike in Bulgaria because travelling onward with it became too difficult. She then flew to Pakistan and arranged another motorcycle here, a Chinese Zongshen RX3, which she said feels similar to her original bike.
Now in Pakistan, she plans to ride through Hyderabad, Sukkur, Multan, Lahore and the Northern Areas. She also said she was warmly welcomed in Karachi by women bikers at Hill Park and hopes to try again to visit Iran on her return journey.
At the reception, Sindh Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Feyaz Ali Shah described Tariq as a strong example of women’s empowerment. He said her travels, which she is documenting in videos, would send a positive message to Western audiences about Pakistan’s peaceful, hospitable image.
