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Hazara women doing martial arts - 7th May 2021

Karate is growing in popularity in Pakistan. Many Hazara women are learning it for self-defence, fitness and well-being.

The majority of Hazara people are Shia Muslims. They make up the majority of Quetta’s population, but live in small communities which are protected by guards.

Hazara women receive unwanted attention. They have to deal with men touching them in markets, streets and public transport.

Nargis Batool is one of many women who now feel able to defend themselves.

Nargis Batool: "So, we can never stop these bomb blasts by our karate, this is obvious. But there is one thing else – the, it is a self defence. Suppose, you can freely, confidently go anywhere at night and you can just defend yourself that way.

"But there was one time my friend, somebody was just teasing her on the way. And when I went to that guy, he never teased him, her again. But I never kicked him or slap him or anything like that."

Around 4,000 people now attend the region’s 25 karate clubs. Among these, the largest two have more women students than men.

Karate is also a source of income. Many women now compete for prizes. National champions Nargis Hazara and Kulsoon Hazara have increased karate’s popularity with their international success.

Women's sport is still relatively uncommon in Pakistan. However, the younger generation are taking more interest. Instructor Fida Hussain Kazmi explains the benefits karate offers.

Fida Hussain Kazmi: "Apart from self-defence, it has many benefits. It has health benefits. There are many opportunities for females in karate. It allows girls to be appointed in various departments so that they can support their home and make the country famous at an international level."