Karachi’s trailblazing boxer Aliya Soomro, who made history earlier this year by becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a world boxing title, has now found herself in the middle of a deeply troubling situation — one that’s caught the attention of city police.
On Monday, Karachi Police officially ordered an investigation into alleged threats made against Soomro and her family. The move comes after Soomro took to Instagram over the weekend, sharing an emotional video in which she accused a man — reportedly linked to the Lyari gang war and posing as a journalist — of harassment and intimidation.
“Why am I being dragged into political and ethnic disputes?” she questioned in her video. “There’s a conflict going on between boxing institutions — but why is an entire system being weaponized against me? My family and I are receiving life threats.”
Soomro expressed deep concern that a coordinated smear campaign was being run against her, with “false and baseless information” circulating online. She said she fears for her safety and has requested protection from the Sindh police chief and relevant authorities.
Her appeal has struck a chord with many in the sporting and civil society community, who say her rise in a male-dominated sport should be celebrated — not punished. Soomro had stunned the boxing world in Bangkok earlier this year when she knocked out her Thai opponent in just 45 seconds to clinch the WBA Asia 105-pound title.
As the investigation unfolds, supporters are calling on authorities to not only ensure her safety but to also send a strong message that Pakistan stands with its champions — both inside and outside the ring.
