CHAKWAL: A tragic incident involving a Pakistani-origin Australian family was reported in the district on 14 June 2026, where a 9-year-old girl, Hania, was killed and two members of her family were seriously injured during an alleged firing incident involving personnel of the Crime Control Department (CCD), police said.
According to initial police accounts, the incident occurred when the Pakistani-origin Australian family was travelling in a vehicle that had recently been targeted in a robbery attempt by three armed motorcyclists. The suspects allegedly robbed the family at gunpoint and fled the scene.
Shortly after the robbery, CCD personnel arrived in the area and reportedly engaged in an exchange of fire with the fleeing suspects near the vicinity of a police station gate. Authorities stated that the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and escaped on foot.
However, as the affected family attempted to leave the area in their vehicle, CCD officers allegedly opened fire, mistaking them for the fleeing criminals. As a result of the firing, nine-year-old Hania was killed on the spot, while her father, Adil Ahmed, and brother, Affan, sustained serious injuries and were shifted to hospital for treatment.
District Police Officer Kashif Zulfiqar ordered immediate action following the incident. In a subsequent operation, two suspects linked to the earlier robbery were reportedly killed in a police encounter during the early hours of the following day. The suspects were said to be residents of Sheikhupura and Lahore.
A CCTV-based investigation was launched, and preliminary findings reportedly indicated the involvement of CCD personnel in the firing incident. One officer, identified as Shuja, has been taken into custody, while others remain under investigation.
Authorities have formed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) led by SP Investigation Sajad Gondal to determine responsibility and establish the sequence of events.
The incident has also drawn international attention, with reports circulating in Australian media highlighting that the victims were Australian citizens of Pakistani origin. The Australian government has reportedly taken notice of the case involving its minor citizen.
