Among those who drowned while trying to go to Europe in search of employment, Pakistan’s famous female player Shahida Raza was also included.
27-year-old Shahida Raza Sahane from the Hazara community of Quetta was aboard a boat from Turkey to Italy with dreams of the future on her eyelids. More than 200 migrants drowned.
Among them were several Pakistanis, most of whom are said to be from Gujarat, Shahida Raza, popularly known as Chinto in sports circles, was a key member of the Pakistan Women’s Hockey team, while she also played departmental hockey for Pakistan Railways.
Shahida Raza was also the best football player and continued to represent Balochistan United in women’s football. Shahida Raza was also the mother of an infant girl, but her daughter was not with her in the accident.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation President Brigadier (retd) Khalid Khokhar, Secretary General Syed Haider Hussain, PHF Women’s Wing Syed Shehla Raza, Tanzeela Amir Cheema and others have expressed grief over the tragic death of Shahida Raza.