Karachi’s pride and Pakistan’s first female professional boxer, Alia Somroo from Lyari, has come out swinging against what she calls a campaign of harassment and discrimination.
In a powerful video statement, Alia revealed that a man has been harassing her repeatedly and accused certain elements of trying to tarnish her name simply because they can’t digest her success.
“They can’t stand a girl from Lyari winning on the global stage,” she said. “They’re calling my hard-earned victories fake, spreading lies, and trying to label professional boxing as a sham.”
Alia slammed the fake claims circulating online and clarified she never claimed to be a world champion — but proudly raised Pakistan’s flag in international boxing arenas.
“These are the same people who believe a woman belongs only in the kitchen,” she fired back. “Let me tell them: that dream of theirs is never coming true.”
She made it clear that her respect for the Pakistan Boxing Federation remains intact, but accused certain individuals of misleading the federation about her.
“I’ve got nothing to do with their internal politics. I’m a professional boxer, not part of any drama,” she said. “I come from a hardworking family in Lyari. I’m a laborer’s daughter. My only fight is in the ring.”
Alia stressed that she holds a valid Sindh domicile and is being unfairly targeted because of her background. “Doesn’t a daughter of Sindh have the right to step into the international spotlight?”
She proudly highlighted her recent international victory in Thailand, where she defeated an Indian boxer in a ranking fight — earning praise across Pakistan and support from the Sindh government.
“I’m thankful to the Sindh Chief Minister and Lyari’s elected representatives. They’ve stood by me. But now, my life and my family’s safety are under threat,” she revealed.
Alia appealed to the Sindh government, IG Police, and authorities to take action against the individual harassing her. “I want protection. I want justice. Let me focus on my sport without fear,” she said.
And to the nation, she made one final appeal:
“Ignore the haters. Back your girl. I’m not done fighting — in the ring or in life!”