Shoaib Ansari 
Pakistani Athlete Shahida Raza died in shipwreck in Italy, social media users have expressed grief and paid tribute to National Hockey player of Pakistan who represented Pakistan in many national and international platforms. Shahida Raza played hockey, football, and martial arts for Pakistan.
Shahida Raza was travelling among other 62 members when a boat sank near Italy on Sunday. The Pakistan Hockey Federation confirmed the death of former national Hockey player. Her friend told media that Shahida Raza was trying to get out of country to get a safe future for her son.
Daughter of Baluchistan
The brave 27-year-old Shahida Raza belonged to Shia Hazara community of southern Baluchistan. It is a minority community mostly targeted by many armed groups. Shahida Raza left her home in Quetta four months ago. She went Iran to Turkey with aim of reaching Italy and Australia in order to find a better future for her disabled son.
Shahida Raza found out that refugee status in other countries is easy to seek rather than regular visa, she told her friends and family that she got a job there and want to take her son for treatment. Her three years old son is unable to speak and move.
Two Pakistanis died in Italy shipwreck, 17 were rescued and two are still missing. Shahida Raza was all rounder athelete who represented junior level to national level Women’s Squad for Pakistan. She was well known for her defence-splitting sprints and goal scoring ability.
She started playing Hockey in 2007 representing the army and Wapda teams. She also played in National Football championship.
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Turkey is one of the most famous route for people smugglers who take people into Europe. This involves thousand kilometers of walk and locking up in ship containers for several days. A lot of people travel through this way every year seeking refuge in European countries.
A lot of Pakistani people pay thousands and millions to smugglers for this journey in hope of better life. Pakistani officials said that they are planning to put a crackdown on people after this sad boat tragedy.
