Pakistani hockey player Shahida Raza, who belonged to the persecuted Shia-Hazara community in Balochistan, was identified as one of the victims of the tragic migrant boat accident in Italy that claimed the lives of over 60 people.
Over 60 migrants have been confirmed dead in Sunday’s accident in Italy, including Pakistanis. Migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Iran were on board. The cause has been deemed sinking due to an overloaded boat in a storm. Two Pakistani nationals and one Turk have been arrested in the case.
Shahida Raza was an athlete and sportsperson from Quetta. She played hockey for Pakistan Women’s Hockey Team. She was a four-time football player of the Pakistan Football Federation.
Raza was the mother of an infant girl, but her daughter was not with her at the time of the accident. According to reports, Raza was going through a difficult time.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has expressed grief over her death.
Hazaras are the most persecuted religious minority in Pakistan. Sunni extremists, such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba, and ISIS have targeted the community for decades.
National Commission for Human Rights’ 2019 report states at least 509 Hazara have been murdered for their faith since 2013. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan says that from 2009 to 2014, nearly 1,000 Hazaras died in sectarian violence. Thousands have been injured.
Pakistan has faced criticism from human rights activists for facilitating religious extremist elements and not taking enough measures to protect the country’s marginalised groups.
