Based in Manchester with her husband and young daughter, Tariq said ahead of her departure that the journey is aimed at raising awareness about women’s rights in Pakistan and sending a message of empowerment. She emphasized that determination can enable women to achieve anything, particularly inspiring those with limited opportunities.
Before setting off, fellow bikers gathered at a London café to support her, with many sharing experiences of riding across Pakistan and offering practical advice for the demanding cross-continental trip.
Originally from Sargodha, Tariq is a software engineer and marketing professional by occupation, but a passionate adventurer at heart. She dedicated the journey to Pakistani women, especially those in rural areas, highlighting their resilience. Drawing from her time living in Swat, she recalled the hardships faced by women and said she hopes her journey will inspire both her daughter and others to pursue their ambitions.
Tariq is no stranger to record-setting feats. She previously completed a cycling journey from Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass, one of the highest border crossings in the world, and became the first woman to travel solo across every district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan on a motorbike, covering 3,000 kilometres in just 20 days. She also performed a solo paragliding flight from Qaqlasht Plains in 2017.
Her route will take her across multiple countries, beginning in France, then through Switzerland and Italy, before heading to Greece and continuing onward to Istanbul, Türkiye. From there, she had initially planned to travel through Iran into Pakistan, but ongoing regional tensions have made the route uncertain.
Alternative plans include traveling via the Middle East and shipping her motorcycle to Karachi, or temporarily storing her bike in Georgia and completing the final leg separately if conditions do not improve.
Tariq said her passion for travel was inspired by her father, whose global journeys shaped her outlook. Despite initial concerns from her family about safety, she said they now fully support her mission.
Her journey not only highlights personal courage but also sheds light on Pakistan’s growing biking culture, where more women are increasingly taking to the roads and redefining traditional boundaries.
