Shahida Raza, a 29-year-old athlete from Pakistan, tragically lost her life in a migrant shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast, along with at least 67 others. The overcrowded wooden boat she was traveling on broke apart in rough waters, a devastating consequence of migrants seeking a better quality of life in Europe. Raza, who played for Pakistan’s national football and field hockey teams, goed on the perilous journey to find medical treatment for her disabled three-year-old son, Hassan.
According to her sister, Sadia, Raza’s sole motivation was to secure treatment for Hassan, who suffers from brain damage and is paralyzed on one side of his body. After being told by Pakistani hospitals that overseas medical aid could be the only option, Raza risked her own life to find a better future for her son.
Despite her courage, it remains unclear how she intended to help Hassan by traveling overseas without him. Her family and loved ones, including her sister and friend Sumiya Mushtaq, remembered Raza as a strong and brave woman who would stop at nothing to ensure her child received the best possible care.
Shahida Raza
Pakistani authorities have paid tribute to Raza, with President Arif Alvi acknowledging the country’s failure to provide Hassan with medical facilities. The tragedy has also highlighted the importance of providing professional training for health experts and a more inclusive approach from society in accommodating people with disabilities.
Raza’s friends and family have spoken out about her love and devotion to her son, with her sister stating, “What a mother does for her children, nobody else can. Shahida always wanted to handle things on her own.” Her story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the often-devastating consequences of poverty, lack of access to medical care, and the desperate measures people will take to secure a better future for their loved ones.
As Pakistan waits for the repatriation of Raza’s body, her legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and determination. Despite the tragic circumstances of her death, Raza’s story has inspired countless people across the country and beyond, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting families and individuals affected by disability and migration.
