Karate player Arzoo Haider Ali dies after Quetta road accident

QUETTA: Arzoo Haider Ali, a female karate player who won gold and silver medals in national games, died on Wednesday morning after suffering critical injuries in a road accident, according to reports.

The accident took place on April 20 when Arzoo was travelling on a scooty with another player from Hazara Town to Ayub Stadium to take part in a karate championship. The incident occurred near CPEC Chowk on Spini Road, where the scooty reportedly slipped because of debris linked to ongoing construction work.

After the vehicle slipped, she fell onto the roadside pavement and sustained serious injuries. She was shifted to a private hospital, where she remained under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for two days. Despite treatment by medical staff, she did not recover and later succumbed to her injuries.

Arzoo Haider Ali was regarded as a talented and committed athlete and was known for her performances in national-level competitions. Her achievements included winning gold and silver medals in national games, bringing recognition to both Balochistan and the country.

Her death has caused grief in the local sports community, with fellow athletes and sports officials expressing sorrow over the loss of a promising player.

Concerns over road safety

The incident has also drawn attention to road safety conditions in the city, particularly the risks posed to commuters by construction debris on roads.

The debris near the site of the accident was a factor in the scooty slipping. The accident happened while Arzoo was on her way to participate in a sporting event, underscoring the dangers faced by road users in areas affected by construction activity.

Her passing marks a significant loss for the province’s sports community. She had earned recognition through her performances in karate and was seen as one of the athletes who had brought distinction through success in national competitions.

The news of her death cast a shadow over the local sporting fraternity, where she was remembered as a dedicated player with notable achievements. The circumstances of the accident have also renewed concern over commuter safety on city roads where construction material and debris remain present.