Breaking barriers at full throttle: Pakistan’s first female drifter redefining the limits of ambition and identity.
We sit down with Laiba Khan Lodhi, a trailblazer redefining the boundaries of motorsport in the region. Known as Pakistan’s first female drifter, Lodhi has carved out a space in a male-dominated arena with determination, discipline, and an unshakable sense of purpose. From securing a podium finish at the Cholistan Jeep Rally to representing women on international drifting platforms, her journey is as fearless as it is inspiring.
Yet, her story goes far beyond the track. Once recognised in the fashion industry as a rising talent, Lodhi made the conscious decision to step away and pursue a path that aligned more deeply with her personal and spiritual values. Today, she stands at the intersection of passion, identity, and resilience, challenging stereotypes while remaining grounded in faith.
In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about the realities of being a woman in motorsport, the lessons learned from adversity, and the importance of staying true to oneself in an increasingly demanding world. Honest and reflective, Lodhi’s voice offers a powerful perspective on ambition, purpose, and what it truly means to forge your own path.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Laiba Khan Lodhi, and I am Pakistan’s first female drifter. I secured third position in the female category at the Cholistan Rally, which was a defining moment in my journey. I have trained with different drifting academies internationally, including ProDrift Academy and Drift Home in Dubai, to refine my skills and gain professional experience.
I have also competed in Saudi Arabia, where I became the first and only female to participate in the Sawt Saudi drifting championship and won a trophy, marking another milestone in my career. As I continue my journey in Saudi Arabia, my goal is to grow further in motorsport and represent Pakistan and women on a global drifting platform.
Your career blends fashion and motorsport. When did you realise you didn’t want to choose just one lane?
I started my fashion journey in 2019, and I was honoured to be nominated as a Rising Star at the Hum Style Awards and also recognised at the IPPA Awards. Fashion gave me confidence and a platform, but my love for cars was always there. It was something I carried within me long before people saw me on the track.
Everything changed when I posted a simple donuts video and received harsh criticism, with many people saying that girls belong in the kitchen and not behind the wheel. Instead of breaking me, those words gave me purpose. Around the same time, I was also going through a personal and spiritual shift, which led me to step away from fashion and choose a path that felt more meaningful.
That was the moment I realised I didn’t have to follow expectations, I could create my own identity through motorsport and prove that women are capable of far more than the limits society sets for them.
What’s the most misunderstood part of being a woman in drifting/off-road racing that you wish people in the region understood?
The most misunderstood aspect is that people think being a woman in drifting or off-road racing is more about attention than ability. Many assume we are there just for the image, or that we are not physically or mentally strong enough to compete seriously.
In reality, motorsport demands extreme discipline, technical knowledge, and mental strength and as women, we often have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. In our region especially, there is also a social barrier, where people believe this sport is not meant for women.
What I wish people understood is that we are not here to prove that we are better than men, we are here to prove that we belong. We carry the same passion, fear, risk, and dedication every time we enter the track.
Walk us through your training: what do you practise first control, confidence, or consistency?
At the moment, my main focus is preparing for my formal training phase, especially as my BMW E46 drift build is currently being completed in Pakistan. Once the car is ready, I will be fully dedicated to structured practice and pushing myself to the next level.
For me, everything begins with control, because drifting is all about understanding the car and how it responds to your inputs. After that comes confidence, which develops with time behind the wheel and learning to trust yourself. Finally, consistency is the goal, because in drifting, it’s not just about doing it once, it’s about doing it right every single time.
What’s the most technical lesson motorsport has taught you that unexpectedly helped your modelling work (or vice versa)?
To be honest, motorsport and modelling never really overlapped for me, because when I decided to step into motorsport, I left modelling completely. It was a very intentional decision, both for personal and spiritual reasons, to fully focus on building my identity as a racing driver.
However, one key lesson motorsport taught me is mental strength and discipline. It has taught me how to handle pressure, stay focused, and keep going even when people doubt you.
If you could design the perfect “starter pathway” for young women entering motorsport in Pakistan, what would it include?
If I could design the perfect starter pathway for young women entering motorsport in Pakistan, it would begin with proper access and safe training environments, because the biggest barrier here is not talent, it’s opportunity.
There should be dedicated training programmes, affordable track days, and professional academies where girls can learn the basics without fear or judgement.
You’ve mentioned the Cholistan Jeep Rally in your public profile. What did that environment teach you about pressure and decision-making?
The Cholistan Jeep Rally was a completely different experience for me. I saw many professional racers from different cities across Pakistan, people who were extremely focused, disciplined, and serious about what they were doing.
Many of them came from strong and influential backgrounds, and seeing that level of professionalism and racing culture was highly motivating. It made me realise that motorsport in Pakistan has real potential and a powerful community behind it.
That environment taught me how to handle pressure and make quick decisions, because in rally racing there is no second chance. You have to stay calm, trust yourself, and react instantly. It showed me that fear and pressure are always present, but what defines you as a driver is how you control your mind in those moments.
What’s one safety habit you never compromise on, no matter how “small” the shoot, track day, or trip?
One safety habit I never compromise on is respecting the machine and following proper safety measures, no matter how small the shoot, track day, or drive may be.
I always make sure the car is checked and that I am properly secured, because I believe safety begins with responsibility. Motorsport has taught me that there is no such thing as a small moment when you are behind the wheel, every moment requires full awareness, as even a minor mistake can have serious consequences.
In the modelling world, you called out gatekeeping and lobby culture. What does a fairer system actually look like in practice?
In my opinion, lobbying and gatekeeping exist everywhere, whether in politics, the automotive industry, or fashion. However, the real issue arises when they are used to block talented newcomers who genuinely deserve opportunities.
I have personally seen how difficult it can be for young people to enter an industry when decisions are based on connections rather than merit. A fair system would be one where opportunities are awarded based on talent, hard work, and professionalism not background or influence.
It should be transparent, supportive, and open to new talent, as this is the only way any industry can grow and evolve in a healthy way.
Who gave you the most valuable early-career advice, and what advice did you ignore that you now wish you had taken?
Growing up, I had many dreams. I always wanted to join the Pakistan Army, and I still sometimes regret not pursuing it, as I have a deep respect and admiration for it. I also wanted to become a pilot, as I have always been passionate about speed and control.
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received early on was to stay patient and protect my self-respect. However, at times I ignored advice about being cautious with people and moving slowly. With time and experience, I realised how important that advice truly was.
You’ve spoken about balancing boundaries and time. What does a “protected” day look like for you (and what absolutely isn’t allowed to interrupt it)?
For me, a protected day is when I focus on my training, my family, and my connection with Allah. I try to disconnect from distractions and dedicate time to prayer, reflection, and personal growth.
On such days, I do not allow negativity, unnecessary interactions, or anything that disturbs my mental and spiritual focus.
What is one belief you had about yourself at the start of your journey that has completely changed?
At the start of my journey, I believed that I was in constant competition with everyone around me. There was a lot of negativity and pressure, which made me feel that I always had to prove myself.
Over time, that belief completely changed. I realised that my real journey is with myself, not with others. Now, I focus on my own growth, ignore the noise, and do what genuinely makes me happy and fulfilled.
When you’re behind the wheel, what emotion do you chase most: calm, adrenaline, focus, or freedom?
When I’m behind the wheel, the emotion I chase most is freedom. It is the one place where I feel completely in control, away from noise, expectations, and limitations.
Adrenaline and focus are always present, but freedom is what defines the experience for me. It’s not just about driving, it’s about expressing myself without words and feeling truly alive in that moment.
When brands approach you, what’s your checklist for deciding whether it’s the right collaboration?
When brands approach me, my first priority is authenticity and alignment with my journey. Since most car brands, oil companies, and tyre companies reach out especially during new launches, Iensure that the collaboration genuinely connects with motorsport and my audience.
I also consider their credibility, professionalism, and the value they bring, not just financially, but in terms of long-term growth. Most importantly, I only collaborate with brands that respect my identity and boundaries, and allow me to present their products in an honest and authentic way.
You’ve described yourself as constantly on the go. How do you protect your mental health when your schedule becomes unpredictable?
When my schedule becomes unpredictable, I protect my mental health by disconnecting and travelling to Saudi Arabia, especially Makkah and Madinah. Being there brings me a sense of peace that I cannot find anywhere else.
It helps me reset mentally and spiritually, and reconnect with Allah. Those moments remind me of my purpose and give me the strength to continue my journey with clarity and balance.
You’ve said you’d consider acting for the right script. What kind of character would genuinely scare you (in a good way) to play?
I never really wanted to act, but if the right script came along, it would have to be a character that truly represents strength and purpose.
A role that would challenge me in a positive way would be that of a strong, resilient woman who stands against societal pressure and fights for her identity and dreams. Someone who is not afraid to be different, who faces criticism yet remains true to herself.
Your faith has appeared in your interviews as a grounding force. What does spirituality look like in your daily routine, especially when work gets intense?
My faith is my greatest grounding force, especially when life and work become intense. I talk to Allah about everything, my fears, decisions, and dreams because that connection gives me peace and clarity.
Recently, I have also started reading the Quran with Tafsir, trying to understand it more deeply and apply it in my life. No matter how busy I am, I try to protect that spiritual time, as it keeps me grounded and gives me the strength to keep moving forward.
What are some of your other hobbies?
Most of my life revolves around motorsport, so cars are not just my career but also my biggest hobby. I enjoy spending time around cars, learning more about them, and improving my driving skills.
Apart from that, I occasionally play badminton to relax and refresh my mind. I also value quiet time for reflection and personal and spiritual growth.
You’re speaking to CP Magazine Kuwait. What would you like audiences in Kuwait and the wider Gulf to understand about you beyond headlines and viral clips?
I would like audiences in Kuwait and the wider Gulf to understand that beyond the headlines and viral clips, I am simply a woman who chose a challenging path with sincerity and purpose.
My journey was never about fame, it was about proving to myself that I could break barriers and represent where I come from with dignity. The Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, has played a significant role in my growth, both personally and spiritually.
I want people to see my discipline, my faith, and my intention, because everything I do is not just for success, but to inspire and open doors for other women who are afraid to begin.
Your message for us at CP Magazine.
My message to CP Magazine and its readers is to always believe in the power of your dreams, even if they seem impossible at first. Your background, your gender, or society’s expectations should never limit what Allah has placed in your heart.
Stay sincere, work hard, and protect your values, because true success is not only about what you achieve, but who you become in the process. And most importantly, never be afraid to start because one decision can change your entire life.
