Key facts
- A 10-year-old Australian girl, Hania Ahmed, was killed by police in Pakistan.
- The incident occurred on June 10 in Chakwal, Punjab province, during a response to an armed robbery.
- The girl's father and older brother were wounded.
- Police stated the officer mistakenly fired his weapon, believing suspects were fleeing in the family's car.
- The girl's father told SBS Urdu that police fired first.
- The involved police officer is in custody.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is demanding a transparent investigation.
A 10-year-old Australian girl, Hania Ahmed, was killed by police in Pakistan on June 10 while on holiday with her family. The incident occurred in Chakwal, Punjab province, when armed robbers took the family hostage inside their rental car. According to Punjab police, the suspects fired at an officer, leading to a shootout. The officer then mistakenly fired his weapon, believing the suspects were fleeing in the family's vehicle, resulting in Hania's death and injuries to her father and brother. The girl's father, however, stated that police fired first. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances, stating that Australia expects accountability. The officer involved has been taken into custody, and Punjab police have assured a thorough and impartial inquiry. The death has caused shock in both Australia and Pakistan, with Hania's school principal in Perth describing her as a friendly and social child.