Meet the Fearless Woman Breaking Stereotypes as Pakistan’s First Female Drifter

2026-02-21 - 03:23

The harshest comments told me women belong in the kitchen and have no place in motorsport The tires scream. The crowd holds its breath. And on a Saudi drift track, Laiba Khan, Pakistan’s first female drifter, slides sideways with precision, defiance, and an unapologetic sense of purpose.In an exclusive conversation with Sunday Style & Stories, Lodhi reveals how she transformed skepticism into fuel, navigating a sport dominated by men while carrying her identity, Pakistani, hijabi, unstoppable, onto the global stage. “Winning in Saudi Arabia wasn’t just about the trophy,” she tells us. “It was proof that I belong here, on my terms.” As Pakistan’s first female drifter competing in Saudi Arabia, you rewrote the script. What doubts and resistance did you overcome before the starting line? Laiba: Becoming Pakistan’s first female drifter wasn’t just about learning how to control a car sideways. It was about learning how to stand upright when everything around me was trying to bend me. Before I ever reached a Saudi starting line, the biggest battle was internal. There were moments of real doubt, questioning whether I was ready enough, good enough, or whether I was carrying too many identities at once: a woman, a Pakistani, a hijabi, stepping into a space that barely made room for any of those. I had to unlearn the idea that I needed permission to belong. Externally, resistance came quietly and loudly at the same time. Some people dismissed me as a content creator instead of a serious athlete. Others believed drifting wasn’t appropriate or possible for a woman from Pakistan. There were doors that didn’t open, support that never came, and spaces where I had to prove myself twice, once as a driver, and once simply as a woman. What were the toughest barriers you faced when pursuing professional drifting — financial, technical, cultural or institutional? Laiba: When I began drifting, I faced negativity, threats, harsh comments and even memes. Instead of backing down, I turned that criticism into motivation. It pushed me to train in Dubai and eventually opened doors in Qatar and Saudi Arabia through new opportunities.Financial barriers were significant. With no sponsorship or institutional support for women in motorsport in Pakistan, I funded everything myself. Women’s motorsport barely exists there, and I want to help change that by creating pathways for future female drivers. Alongside financial strain, I confronted cultural resistance, comments that women belong in the kitchen and cannot compete. That mindset became the challenge I chose to overcome. Today, representing Pakistan internationally is proof that talent and determination have no gender. After winning a trophy in Saudi Arabia, how did that victory shift the way teams, sponsors and competitors viewed you? Laiba: That win was one of the biggest moments of my career. Being the first female drifter to represent Pakistan on a Saudi stage made it even more meaningful for me.After that event, the way people saw me changed. I started receiving more opportunities and serious interest from Saudi Arabia, which is one of the main reasons I decided to move from Dubai to Saudi. The motorsports culture here is growing fast, and the support and vision are very strong.I have several team offers but am being selective, focusing on the right fit and long-term vision. Which regional or international drift competitions do you hope to compete in next, and why? Laiba: Right now, we are focused on training and preparing for upcoming championships because the next level demands more discipline and skill. My ultimate goal is to compete on top international drift platforms, racing against the world’s best in different countries. One of my biggest dreams is to represent my country at the D1 Grand Prix in Japan, one of the oldest and most prestigious drift championships, widely regarded as the birthplace of professional drifting. What were the harshest criticisms you faced as a woman in an unconventional field, and what kept you going? Laiba: The harshest comments told me women belong in the kitchen and have no place in motorsport. Some even turned into threats, which was stressful and intimidating. But I turned that negativity into motivation, training harder, seeking opportunities abroad, and competing in Dubai and beyond. Every race became my answer — proving that talent and determination know no gender. As the founder of Ajwa , what brought that entrepreneurship spirit and how do you balance both? Laiba: I started Ajwa during my hijab journey to show that modesty can be beautiful, confident, and empowering. The brand helps women embrace their identity while feeling stylish and strong. Balancing entrepreneurship and motorsport isn’t easy, but with a supportive partner, discipline, and teamwork, I’m learning to manage both and aim to strengthen that balance even more. You race in a high-speed, high-visibility sport while wearing the hijab — a choice still questioned in motorsports. What inspired that decision, and how do faith and identity shape your presence on the track? Laiba: I began my journey in Saudi Arabia, where modesty is deeply respected and valued, and that environment gave me clarity. My hijab journey didn’t start because of Umrah, it was something I had been planning for a long time. I realized that if I kept delaying the decision, I would keep postponing something that truly mattered to me. So I chose to start then and there. Wearing the hijab has given me a stronger sense of identity, confidence, and respect. It feels natural to who I am today, both on and off the track. I am proud of it, comfortable in it, and nothing about it limits me. It has only strengthened the way I show up, and there is nothing that can stop me from moving forward. Looking ahead, which podium would be most historic for you – a Saudi title, an international drift league, or a first global appearance by a Pakistani woman? Laiba: I competed in the Cholistan Rally, one of the world’s toughest tracks. My first race, with no prior practice, ended just off the podium and taught me resilience. I’m proud of the strong male and female rally talent representing Pakistan.However, the podium I won in Saudi Arabia holds a very special place in my heart. Drifting was always my true dream, and becoming Pakistan’s first female drifter was something I pursued with complete focus. That podium wasn’t just a result, it marked the beginning of a journey I want to take to the global stage. Saudi Arabia gave me international exposure, respect, and genuine appreciation as a Pakistani athlete. The encouragement I received there motivated me to push my drifting career further and think bigger. It made me realize that this is where I truly belong, and that my journey in drifting has only just begun.