Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a transparent investigation into the death of a nine-year-old Australian girl who was fatally shot during an incident involving police and armed robbers in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Hania Ahmed, who was visiting Pakistan with her family, was killed on June 10 after armed suspects allegedly took the family hostage inside their rental vehicle in Chakwal. The incident escalated into a confrontation with police, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
According to the Punjab police, an officer mistakenly opened fire on the family’s vehicle while believing the suspects were attempting to flee, killing Hania and injuring her father and older brother. Police said the suspects fired first at officers, prompting the response. However, Hania’s father has disputed that account, claiming police initiated the shooting.
Speaking in Canberra on Monday, Albanese said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy must be thoroughly examined.
“Australia expects there to be transparency and a proper investigation of these circumstances,” he said, stressing the importance of providing answers to the grieving family.
Punjab police said the officer involved had been taken into custody and that authorities were conducting a comprehensive and impartial investigation. Officials added that established operational protocols should not have been breached.
The tragedy has sparked grief in both Australia and Pakistan. Hania, a student at the Australian Islamic College in Perth, was remembered by school principal Abdullah Khan as a friendly and well-liked child.
“She was loved by everyone,” Khan said, adding that counselling support was being provided to students and staff affected by the loss.
The Australian government is providing consular assistance to Hania’s family as investigations continue.
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