A tragic incident occurred in the city of Chakwal, Pakistan, when Punjab Elite Force police mistakenly opened fire on an Australian family, killing 9-year-old Hania Ahmed and seriously injuring two relatives.
According to local authorities, the incident happened on Wednesday when the Punjab Elite Force fired at the family of Adeel Ahmed, 39, as they tried to escape after being attacked by robbers. Besides Hania, her 11-year-old brother Aafan was also severely wounded, while their mother narrowly escaped harm.
The Punjab Police Crime Control Agency said in a statement on Sunday: “In the chaos, the officer involved misjudged that the suspects were trying to flee in the victims' car and opened fire. This wrong decision resulted in the tragic death of 10-year-old Hania and injuries to her father and brother.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in press remarks, expressed grief and called for a transparent investigation: “We expect transparency and a proper investigation into these circumstances. As I understand, not only has a girl lost her life, but other family members were also injured under truly grave circumstances.”
Authorities said the officer who fired on the family is now in custody, while two robbery suspects were killed in a separate shootout.
