As the country re-emerges on the tourism map, she’s using her platform to create immersive, community-driven experiences led by women while helping travellers explore both Pakistan’s incredible and lesser-known corners.
In the first of an exclusive two-part interview with Traveltalk, Aneeqa describes the male prejudice she had to overcome to set up her business and the challenges she faced to convince other women to join her company.
Q: Aneeqa, what inspired your approach to running a travel business and how does that connect with your values today?
A: I’ve always loved the idea that travel can pull you out of the everyday and into something completely new – a different world, different people, different perspectives.
That’s the kind of experience I try to create: immersive, meaningful and full of connection.
It’s also what drew me to working with Intrepid – their values around responsible, community-based travel and creating real human connections align closely with my own.
Q: How hard was it initially setting up women-led tours in a male-dominated tourism industry?
A: Despite progress in women’s empowerment, it’s still uncommon to see women in public spaces in Pakistan, let alone leading businesses in the travel industry. Freedom of movement isn’t as easily enjoyed by women as it is by men.
Running one of the first women-led tours in Pakistan meant pushing into an industry where men had long marked their territory.
Many were unwelcoming and I was often told outright that tourism wasn’t a field for women. Some even advised me to abandon the idea or find a male partner to make it work.
Beyond the industry barriers, managing logistics coordinating with drivers, guides, hotel owners and other stakeholders came with its own set of challenges. Women in this business are often vulnerable to various forms of harassment, making it even more difficult to operate independently.
But despite the obstacles, I knew this was a space that needed change and I was determined to carve out a place for women in Pakistan’s tourism scene.
Q: So, how did you go about achieving that goal?
A: The next challenge was building the right infrastructure and finding other women who were interested in leading tours. There was no existing network of female tour guides to tap into, so I had to start from scratch.
Through personal connections and relentless effort, I gradually built a team sometimes even visiting women’s homes and speaking with their families to convince them to let their daughters work in tourism.
It was a slow and difficult process but seeing more women step into this space has made every struggle worth it.
What has truly helped is working alongside partners like Intrepid Travel. Their support has allowed us to scale our efforts and reach a broader audience, while promoting sustainable, women-led tourism that makes a real difference in the local community.
This partnership has been vital in expanding our impact and ensuring that women in tourism not only have a place but can thrive in it.
Q: Pakistan hasn’t been on the tourist radar for some time. Is it safe to travel there now, particularly for female travellers?
A: Pakistan’s tourism industry has been steadily growing in recent years, with improved security and increasing international recognition.
Publications like National Geographic Traveller and Time Magazine have listed it among the top destinations to visit. However, for female travellers, navigating Pakistan comes with unique challenges due to its predominantly male-dominated society.
From Intrepid’s perspective too, the safety of its travellers, leaders and operators is a major priority.
Intrepid follows government travel advisories from key traveller markets when making decisions about operating trips in destinations. Women travelling alone may attract attention, as public spaces are largely occupied by men.
While this can feel overwhelming at times, it is rarely hostile. In fact, many female travellers have found Pakistan to be surprisingly welcoming, with locals, especially women, going out of their way to offer hospitality and assistance.
That said, dressing modestly and being mindful of cultural norms can help ensure a more comfortable experience. Certain regions, such as Gilgit-Baltistan as featured in Intrepid’s Not Hot List, Swat, Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, are considered safe and increasingly cater to international visitors.
However, areas near border regions may have travel restrictions or require extra precautions. Doing thorough research, planning your routes carefully and choosing trusted tour operators can make the journey smoother.
Through Intrepid we have also hosted many female travellers, including solo adventurers, who have had incredible experiences in Pakistan.
With the right preparation and an open mind, women can explore the country safely while experiencing its breathtaking landscapes and the unmatched warmth of its people.
