CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on authorities in Pakistan to investigate the fatal shooting of an Australian girl who was on holiday with her family.
Nine-year-old Hania Ahmed and her family were taken hostage at gunpoint by armed robbers inside their rental car in the northern city of Chakwal in Punjab province on 10 June.
According to Punjab police, the suspects opened fire on a police officer, which triggered a shootout at the scene.
Police said that during the chaos, an officer mistakenly believed the suspects were escaping in the family’s vehicle and “mistakenly” fired his weapon, resulting in the death of the nine-year-old girl and injuries to her father and older brother.
Punjab police further stated that the suspects fired first at the responding officer, who has now been taken into custody. However, the girl’s father gave a different account in an interview with SBS Urdu, saying that police fired first.
Prime Minister Albanese said the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly examined and handled transparently so that the family and the wider public can understand what happened.
He added that Australia expects a proper and transparent investigation into the case.
In response, Punjab police said there was “absolutely no justification for deviating from our established protocols” and confirmed that a “thorough and impartial investigation” is currently underway.
The incident has deeply shocked communities in both Australia and Pakistan.
Abdullah Khan, the principal of Hania’s school in Perth, the Australian Islamic College, told that the news of her death was “traumatic” for the school community.
He described Hania as a friendly, bubbly, and highly social student.
“She had lots of friends, [and was] very respectful to teachers,” he said, adding that she was “loved by everyone.”
Khan also said he has been in contact with the family and confirmed that counselling support is being provided to students and staff at the school.
He added that students in her class are especially distressed and are currently in a state of shock.
The Australian government has also confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to the grieving family.