Hazaras are the most persecuted religious minority in Pakistan.

A National Commission for Human Rights report released in 2019 states at least 509 Hazaras 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.

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.

She died this week off the coast of Italy when the boat carrying her and scores of others sank. Migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Iran were on board.

According to Reuters, Raza left her house in Quetta, Balochistan, four months ago for neighbouring Iran and then Turkey, aiming to eventually reach Italy or Australia and seeking asylum there.

Raza was the sole breadwinner of the family and left the country with the intention of supporting her disabled son’s medical expenses.

She was left jobless amid the country’s financial crisis. Raza’s husband divorced her, citing his inability to live with a disabled child.

News Desk

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The post Hazara Hockey Player Who Died In Italy Boat Tragedy Had Left Pakistan To Provide For Disabled Child appeared first on Dissent Today.

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.

News Desk

dissenttoday.net

The post Hazara Woman Hockey Player From Pakistan Among Those Killed In Italy Migrant Boat Tragedy appeared first on Dissent Today.