Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a transparent inquiry into the shooting death of Perth schoolgirl Hania Ahmed in Pakistan, where she was killed by a police officer while on holiday with her family.
Incident Details
Hania Ahmed, 9, was visiting relatives in Chakwal, Punjab province, with her family when they were robbed while in their rental car late Wednesday night (local time). Punjab police intervened after the family was taken hostage at gunpoint. During a shootout, an officer mistakenly opened fire on the family's vehicle, killing Hania and injuring her father and brother. Her mother was unharmed.
Police admitted the officer deviated from standard operating procedures and legal principles regarding the use of force. He has been suspended, arrested, and remanded to judicial custody. Forensic evidence, including his weapon and shell casings, has been collected for processing.
Prime Minister's Response
Albanese told reporters in Canberra that the circumstances need to be examined transparently. “Australia expects there to be transparency and a proper investigation,” he said, expressing condolences to the family and the Pakistani Australian community.
Community and School Reaction
Hania attended year four at Australian Islamic College in Kewdale, Perth. The school held a special assembly and offered counseling. Executive Principal Abdullah Khan described Hania as a “happy, bubbly, friendly girl.” He spoke with her father, Adeel, who is devastated. Hania's brother remains hospitalized and may take over a month to recover enough to travel back to Australia.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance. WA Attorney General Tony Buti called the incident a tragic case of mistaken identity. The Pakistani Association of Western Australia requested privacy for the family.
