Canberra Calls for Full Accountability
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a transparent investigation into the killing of nine-year-old Hania Ahmad in Chakwal.
The child was allegedly killed when personnel of Punjab’s Crime Control Department opened fire on her family’s vehicle earlier this week.
The family, based in Perth, was visiting Pakistan on holiday when the tragic incident occurred.
According to reports, Adeel Ahmed, 39, his wife Dr Sidra Khan, their daughter Hania Ahmad, 9, and son Aafan Ahmed, 10, were travelling when robbers targeted them.
Crime Control Department personnel later opened fire on the family’s vehicle, allegedly mistaking it for the robbers’ vehicle.
Hania died on the spot. Her father Adeel and brother Aafan were critically injured. Dr Sidra Khan remained unhurt.
Australian Media Highlights Tragic Case
The incident has received major coverage in Australian media.
ABC, The Guardian and SBS reported that the victims were Australian nationals of Pakistani origin.
The Guardian quoted Albanese as saying that the circumstances of the shooting must be examined properly.
He said the inquiry should be transparent so the family and others can understand what happened.
Albanese also offered condolences to the family and friends of the victims.
He said a nine-year-old girl visiting Pakistan with her family should have been enjoying a time of happiness.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular support to the affected family.
Western Australia Attorney General Tony Buti described the incident as a tragic case of mistaken identity.
The Pakistani Association of Western Australia said the Ahmad family has requested privacy during this painful time.
CCD Official Arrested as Case Expands
According to local media reports, two suspects allegedly involved in robberies and a later shootout were killed in an encounter with Crime Control Department personnel in Chakwal.
A senior department official claimed the suspects were involved in several robberies that occurred within three hours on the same night.
The official said they were the same suspects who exchanged fire with department personnel during the robbery involving the Australian national family.
Meanwhile, a Crime Control Department official has been arrested in connection with Hania’s death and the injuries suffered by her father and brother.
Initially, the official was not named in the police case. However, the case was later amended with the addition of murder-related charges, leading to his arrest.
Authorities are now under pressure to ensure a fair and credible investigation.
The case has raised serious questions about police response, use of force and protection of citizens during emergency operations.
The investigation is ongoing, and further legal action is expected after evidence and witness statements are reviewed.
