A family vacation turned into an unthinkable tragedy after a young girl from Australia was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer while visiting relatives in Pakistan.
Hania Ahmed, who lived in Perth, was in Chakwal with her family on June 10 when chaos erupted during an alleged armed robbery.
Authorities said Hania and her family were inside a rented vehicle when two robbers on a motorcycle approached them and held them at gunpoint.
According to Pakistan’s Crime Control Department, officers intervened during the robbery, but the situation spiraled into deadly gunfire.
“CCD personnel intervened during an armed robbery in progress. Armed robbers had intercepted a family vehicle, holding the occupants at gunpoint,” the department said.
Officials said the suspects opened fire on a responding officer. During the confrontation, the officer allegedly made a devastating mistake.
“The officer involved mistakenly assessed that the suspects were attempting to flee in the victims’ vehicle and discharged his weapon,” the CCD said. “This erroneous decision resulted in the tragic death of Hania.”
Hania was rushed to District Headquarters Hospital, but she later died from her injuries.
Her father, Adeel Ahmed, and brother, Aafan, were also wounded in the shooting and taken to a local hospital for surgery, according to reports.
Police have listed Hania as 10 years old, though multiple outlets in Australia have reported she was 9.
A family member, Ali Ejaz, told Dawn that the suspects stopped the family’s vehicle outside his home. He said one of the robbers took jewelry from Hania’s niece before the suspects fled on their motorcycle.
Adeel then tried to drive away with his family inside the vehicle.
Officials said a CCD officer who was returning to the station saw the robbery, grabbed a gun, and opened fire at the suspects. The suspects reportedly fired back.
The two alleged robbers were shot and killed during the police encounter, according to Chakwal District Police.
But amid the gunfire, Hania was fatally struck.
The officer accused of firing the deadly shot was immediately suspended and taken into custody. In an update posted Sunday, June 14, the CCD said he had been arrested and sent to jail while awaiting trial.
“Forensic evidence, including the officer’s weapon and used shells have been taken into safe custody and dispatched for action,” the department said. “The department is in contact with the affected family daily to update them on the ongoing investigation.”
Hania attended Australian Islamic College in Kewdale, Perth. Her principal described her as a “happy, bubbly, friendly girl.”
Chakwal District Police said investigators are reviewing every part of the case.
“The team is meticulously reviewing all aspects of the case to bring the facts to light,” the department said. “If negligence or guilt is proven against any official, strict legal action will be taken without discrimination, and all requirements of justice will be fulfilled at all costs.”
