Biker Gulafshan Tariq honoured following UK to Pakistan ride

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) held a reception at its head office in Islamabad to welcome Gulafshan Tariq after she completed an overland motorcycle journey from London to Pakistan.

According to the PTDC, Gulafshan Tariq was received as Pakistan’s first female biker following the completion of the trip. The ceremony was attended by Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, PTDC Managing Director Aftabur Rehman Rana, other senior PTDC officials and members of the media.

At the event, PTDC acknowledged her contribution to promoting Pakistan as a destination for adventure tourism and overlanding. The corporation also described her journey as a symbol of women’s empowerment, saying it could encourage women to overcome barriers and follow their ambitions in adventure travel.

In his remarks, Secretary Wani praised the journey and said it carried importance in presenting a positive and progressive image of Pakistan internationally. He said such efforts help advance tourism while also supporting women empowerment, cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity, and encourage travellers to visit Pakistan.

Gulafshan Tariq also spoke at the occasion and shared her experiences of travelling across Pakistan. She expressed appreciation for the hospitality, safety and support she said she received during the journey.

Officials highlight tourism and women empowerment

The reception brought together government and PTDC officials to mark the completion of the cross-continental ride. The event focused on the significance attached by officials to the journey in the context of tourism promotion and the visibility of women in adventure travel.

PTDC said the ride helped showcase Pakistan for adventure tourism and overlanding. Officials at the ceremony linked the journey with broader themes including cultural exchange and stronger people-to-people contact.

Secretary Wani said the initiative had value beyond tourism promotion alone, as it also reflected women’s empowerment and projected a constructive image of the country abroad. PTDC Managing Director Aftabur Rehman Rana was also present at the reception alongside other senior officials.

During her interaction at the event, Gulafshan Tariq recounted her travel experience in Pakistan and thanked people for the welcome and assistance she received. The ceremony concluded with official recognition of her journey and its role in drawing attention to Pakistan’s tourism potential.