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The Pakistani woman changing the face of motorcycle racing

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Aneeq Zahid in Lahore | Irfan Aftab
July 2, 2025

Faryal Ashraf wants to become Pakistan's first woman motorcycle road racer. Can she get around obstacles put in her way by Pakistan's male-dominated motorcycle community?

Faryal Ashraf, a determined young woman from Lahore, dreams of becoming Pakistan’s first female motorcycle road racer, challenging deep-rooted gender norms in the country’s male-dominated biking culture. Inspired by MotoGP, Hollywood, and female riders in countries like India and Malaysia, she bought her own sports bike and began training, despite facing harassment and exclusion from local biker communities.

Turning to social media for support, she quickly became a role model for other Pakistani women, many of whom now seek her guidance. With motorcycle road racing still illegal in Pakistan, Faryal hopes for change, but is also prepared to move to Germany to pursue her passion on the autobahn. Through her resilience and visibility, she’s paving the way for more women to claim their space on the road.

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