Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday demanded a transparent investigation into the killing of a nine-year-old Pakistani-Australian girl who was mistakenly shot dead by the Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) in Chakwal on June 10. Hania Ahmed suffered fatal injuries after law enforcement officers opened fire on her family's car. The incident also critically wounded her 39-year-old father, Adeel Ahmed, and 10-year-old brother, Aafan Ahmed, while her mother remained unharmed.
International Outcry
The shooting garnered widespread coverage in Australian and international media, sparking calls for an independent probe to determine the actual circumstances. Addressing reporters in Canberra, Albanese stressed the need for a detailed inquiry conducted transparently, so that everyone, especially the family, can know the truth. He expressed solidarity with the Pakistani-Australian community, saying his heart goes out to the family and friends of the slain girl. The Australian High Commission confirmed it was providing consular assistance and extended condolences.
CCD Officials Respond
Punjab CCD Additional Inspector General Sohail Zafar Chattha visited the family's residence in Chakwal and stated that the department does not believe in extrajudicial killings and only targets individuals involved in serious crimes. He explained that CCD teams act when attacked during operations, noting that three to four robberies occurred in Chakwal on the day of the incident. Chattha emphasized that a citizen's life is more precious than arresting two robbers and acknowledged that mistakes can happen, suggesting the incident should serve as an opportunity for institutional improvement.
CCD Superintendent of Police Shah Meer Khalid revealed that personnel involved in the firing have been taken into custody, and legal and departmental actions have been initiated. The challan will soon be presented in court. He admitted that CCD personnel mistakenly fired on the family's vehicle, believing it belonged to fleeing robbers, and violated standard operating procedures. The family has been assured of a transparent investigation.
Details of the Incident
Adeel Ahmed, an Australian citizen living in Perth, had arrived in Pakistan with his wife, Dr. Sidra, and their children for a family holiday after performing Hajj. The incident occurred late in the evening as the family traveled to a relative's house. Armed suspects on a motorcycle intercepted their vehicle, robbed them, and an exchange of fire ensued with CCD personnel. In panic, Adeel tried to drive away, but CCD officers, assuming the speeding car belonged to the suspects, opened indiscriminate fire. Hania was critically wounded and later died at the hospital. Her father and brother remain under treatment in Rawalpindi.
The incident sparked strong public backlash on social media, with demands for accountability. Authorities upgraded the charge against the arrested CCD official from Section 322 (manslaughter) to Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
