Father of Australian Girl Shot by Police Demands Justice in Pakistan
Father of Australian girl shot by police – The father of Australian girl shot by police has called for accountability after his daughter, Hania Ahmed, was fatally injured during a violent encounter in Punjab, Pakistan. The incident occurred last week when Hania and her relatives were visiting her great-uncle, Ali Ejaz, in Chakwal. The family, returning from the Hajj, had planned to travel back to Australia on Monday but were caught in a deadly clash following a robbery. CCTV footage reveals that police officers from the Crime Control Department (CCD) opened fire on both the attackers and the family, resulting in Hania’s death and her brother Aafan being critically wounded.
Incident Details and Immediate Consequences
Witnesses described the robbery as sudden and intense. Hania’s father, Adeel Ahmed, and his wife, also named Hania, attempted to negotiate with the assailants, offering their possessions to avoid harm. However, the CCD officers intervened, firing into the vehicle as the family tried to escape. The footage shows the police chief, Sohail Zafar Chatta, acknowledging the officer’s “mistaken assessment” of the situation, leading to the suspension and arrest of the involved officer. The family is now seeking answers, emphasizing the need for justice in the wake of the tragedy.
Family’s Call for Accountability
Family members have accused the CCD of using excessive force, with Adeel Ahmed stating in a recorded message, “It was started by the CCD. The thieves did not start the firing first. They only fired in retaliation.” This sentiment has resonated with local communities, who are questioning the department’s tactics. The CCD was established in May 2025 to combat rising crime, but critics argue its methods have led to a surge in fatal encounters, including 924 reported deaths in the past eight months. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has raised concerns about the department’s reliance on “encounter killings.”
Blockquote>“Those responsible should be punished so that this incident does not repeat,” Adeel Ahmed added, underscoring the family’s demand for justice. The trauma of losing Hania has deepened the emotional toll, as Aafan, her 11-year-old brother, continues recovery in Rawalpindi. The father of Australian girl shot has become a central figure in the ongoing debate about police accountability in Pakistan.
Punjab Police’s Justification
Punjab police have defended the CCD’s actions, asserting that the officer’s response was justified under pressure. Chatta claimed the shooter “mistakenly assessed” the suspects’ intentions, though the family remains unconvinced. The police chief visited the Ahmed family to assure them of an impartial investigation, stating that the case has been formally registered. Despite this, the family questions whether the CCD’s policies, which prioritize speed over precision, have contributed to the incident.
Blockquote>“We have registered a case and the family has expressed trust in the investigation,” Chatta said. Yet, the father of Australian girl shot argues that the CCD’s approach needs reform to prevent future tragedies. The event has sparked renewed scrutiny of the department’s role in civilian casualties, with calls for stricter oversight and transparency.
Australia’s Concerns and International Response
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined the family in demanding a thorough investigation into the shooting. The father of Australian girl shot expressed hope that the incident would lead to a broader discussion on police conduct in Pakistan. International observers have also highlighted the case as a symbol of the CCD’s controversial tactics, which some argue threaten constitutional protections. The tragedy underscores the need for cross-border collaboration in addressing police accountability and human rights issues.
