The New Zealand news website “Stuff” has published a new report on the life of a Shia Hazara family who fled Pakistan due to increasing violence and killings that forced thousands of Shia Hazara Muslims to flee their country in search of security and a better life.
Changezi Liaquat and his family were one of the Pakistani Hazara families that had to escape the rampant violence and instability in the country, and now they are residing in New Zealand.
Liaquat and his family have dedicated themselves to uplifting fellow refugees in New Zealand and to help them cope.
After a long and difficult journey, the Hazara family were granted entry to New Zealand where they settled in Hamilton.
The negative perceptions and stereotypes associated with refugees prompted the Shia family to pledge to challenge these negative perceptions.
Changezi worked for the Red Cross New Zealand and is now the Executive Director of the Refugee Orientation Center Trust.
It should be mentioned that Shia Hazara Muslims have historically been marginalized and suffered violence in majority Sunni countries including Pakistan.
