The Punjab government has launched a formal inquiry into the killing of 9-year-old Hania Ahmed, a Pakistani-origin Australian citizen, who was fatally shot in an alleged incident involving Crime Control Department (CCD) personnel in Chakwal.
Police have confirmed “significant progress” in the investigation, with the case now upgraded to Section 302 (premeditated murder) after new forensic findings and additional evidence emerged during the probe.
According to officials, the FIR was initially registered under Section 322 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), but was later revised as the investigation advanced.
Sources said that CCD official Shuja has been arrested in connection with the case, and the weapon allegedly used in the incident has been recovered from his possession. He has been sent to jail on judicial remand following court proceedings.
Punjab have assured that the inquiry will determine responsibility and ensure legal action against those found guilty.
Pakistani-Australian nine-year-old girl Hania Adeel’s death
Pakistani-Australian family’s post-Hajj holiday ended in tragedy when nine-year-old Hania Adeel died during an alleged police firing incident in Chakwal district of Punjab.
Hania, a citizen of Australia from Perth, was travelling with her parents and siblings when their vehicle came under fire from Crime Control Department (CCD) personnel. Police said officers mistook the car for a vehicle used by fleeing robbers.
According to police and family sources, Hania’s father Adeel, his wife Dr Sidra, and their children had recently returned after performing Hajj and were visiting Pakistan for a family trip.
The incident took place late at night when the family was going to a relative’s house for dinner. Near a CCD police station in Chakwal, armed men on a motorcycle allegedly stopped the family’s vehicle and robbed them of cash and jewellery.
Police said an exchange of fire then took place between the robbers and CCD officers who arrived at the scene. During the confusion, Adeel tried to drive away with his family. Officials then allegedly opened fire, thinking the vehicle belonged to the fleeing suspects.
Multiple bullets hit the vehicle, critically injuring Hania. She was taken to District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), where doctors pronounced her dead soon after arrival.
Her father and brother Affan also received gunshot wounds and were shifted to a hospital in Rawalpindi for treatment. Dr Sidra remained unharmed.
The incident sparked strong public anger. Citizens and rights activists demanded a transparent investigation and accountability over the alleged misuse of power.
Officials seized the service rifle allegedly used in the shooting. The accused officer was sent to jail on judicial remand. Investigators transferred the case from local police to senior CCD officers to examine how the misidentification occurred.
Hania’s grandfather demanded justice and said the family only wants accountability for the death of an innocent child.
Chakwal District Police Officer expressed regret over the incident and said authorities would investigate all aspects of the case. He added that strict action would be taken if negligence or wrongdoing is proven.
The investigation is ongoing, with questions being raised about police procedures during armed encounters and accountability within law enforcement.
Read more: Pakistani-Australian girl dies in Chakwal police shooting incident
