KARACHI: Police on Monday ordered an investigation after boxer Aliya Soomro alleged that she and her family were being threatened and harassed by a “facilitator of the Lyari gang war” who was “impersonating a media worker”, Dawn.com reported.

Earlier this year, Ms Soomro had made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a world boxing title. She defeated her Thai opponent in just 45 seconds in Bangkok to win the WBA Asia 105-pound title.

On June 22, she shared a video on Instagram and complained that she and her family were being harassed by someone pretending to be a journalist. She claimed that the suspect was linked to the Lyari gang war.

“Don’t drag me into political and ethnic disputes and conflict between boxing institutions. Why is the entire machinery being used against me? My family and I are facing life threats,” she said.

She alleged that some people were spreading unfounded information about her and feared that she might be physically harmed. She had appealed to the Sindh police chief and other officials for protection and legal assistance.

Following her post, a statement from South DIG Syed Asad Raza said he has taken immediate action and asked City SSP Arif Aziz to investigate the matter and take legal steps against those responsible.

“South Zone Police contacted Aliya Soomro and assured her of full cooperation,” the statement said, adding that “the boxer is a representative and a shining example of the courageous women of Pakistan.”

“Women have the right to move forward in every field of life. The police will provide all possible protection to Aliya Soomro,” the statement quoted the DIG as saying.

Recently, the Sindh government had announced a Rs4.7 million sponsorship to help Ms Soomro compete in a boxing event in Dubai this August, where she will fight an Indian boxer.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2025