Anthony Albanese calls for accountability after Hania Ahmed shot dead in Chakwal during family visit.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Pakistani authorities to conduct a “transparent” and thorough investigation into the fatal police shooting of a nine-year-old Australian girl in the town of Chakwal in Punjab province.
Hania Ahmed, a Perth resident of Pakistani origin, was killed on June 10 when officers from the Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) opened fire on the family’s rental car, apparently mistaking them for armed robbers. Her father and brother were also injured in the incident.
Proper investigation needed:
Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Albanese expressed condolences to the family and emphasised the need for clarity.
“These circumstances do need to be examined in a transparent way, so that everyone can know, the family most importantly,” he said, adding that Australia expects a proper investigation.
The family had recently returned from performing Hajj and was visiting relatives in Chakwal when the incident occurred late at night. According to initial reports, the family was held up by armed robbers before fleeing, only to come under police fire.
Conflicting accounts and police response:
Punjab police have described the shooting as unintentional, claiming officers mistook the family’s vehicle for that of the suspects during a sting operation. One officer has been arrested, suspended, and faces charges upgraded to premeditated murder (Section 302). A Joint Investigation Team has been formed.
The girl’s family has disputed aspects of the official narrative, with her father publicly criticising the police action. Questions remain about the sequence of events, the use of force, and whether proper procedures were followed.
Hania, who attended the Australian Islamic College in Perth, was remembered by her school principal as a “happy, bubbly girl” who made friends easily.
Diplomatic and consular support:
Australia is providing consular assistance to the grieving family. The case has drawn significant attention in both countries, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by dual nationals and diaspora communities travelling in Pakistan.
As the investigation proceeds, the incident has renewed scrutiny of police conduct and accountability in Punjab. Albanese’s call for transparency reflects growing pressure on Pakistani authorities to deliver justice in a case involving an Australian citizen.