A tragic incident has come to light in Pakistan’s Punjab province, where a 9-year-old Australian girl died in police firing, while her father and brother were seriously injured. The police allegedly mistook the family’s car for that of the robbers and opened fire on it.
The deceased girl has been identified as Haniya Ahmed, who was a resident of Kewdale area of Perth, Australia. Hania had come to Chakwal in Pakistan with her family to meet relatives. The incident occurred on the night of June 10 when the family was traveling in a rented car.
Understand the whole matter in pointers
- Hania Ahmed had come with her parents and brother to meet relatives in Chakwal district of Pakistan. The family had reached Pakistan from Perth city of Australia.
- According to local media reports, the family’s rented car was stopped by two motorcycle-riding robbers. One of them had a pistol.
- According to Punjab Police, Crime Control Department officials intervened as the family was allegedly held hostage at gunpoint. During this, the suspects fired at a policeman, after which retaliatory firing started.
- During the firing the robbers escaped on a motorcycle. At the same time, the family’s rented car also moved ahead from the spot. The policemen mistakenly thought that the fleeing car belonged to the robbers.
- A police officer told local media that as soon as the car passed by, the police mistook it for the robbers’ vehicle and opened fire. Later Punjab Police also admitted that this decision was wrong.
- 9-year-old Haniya Ahmed died after being shot. His father Adil Ahmed and elder brother were seriously injured. Mother remained safe in this incident. After the incident the family was taken to the hospital. Hania was declared dead by the doctors. Brother’s treatment continues.
- Punjab Police admitted that the officer concerned did not follow the rules and legal procedures related to the use of force. The accused policeman has been suspended and arrested. He was produced in the court, from where he was sent to judicial custody.
- Punjab Police has said that it will start a fair and detailed investigation. Police said that safety of human life is their primary responsibility and any deviation from the rules will be considered serious.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has demanded a transparent investigation into the incident. He said that the family and the public have the right to know what happened.
- Anthony Albanese said the 9-year-old girl’s visit to Pakistan with her family should have been a joyous occasion, but it turned into a painful tragedy. He expressed condolences to the family, friends and the Pakistani-Australian community. Australia’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the affected family.
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