RAWALPINDI/LAHORE: A nine-year-old Australian-Pakistani girl was killed and her father and brother were critically injured after Crime Control Department (CCD) personnel allegedly opened fire on their vehicle in Chakwal, in what authorities now confirm was a tragic case of mistaken identity following a highway robbery.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night near Khomeini Chowk, directly in front of the main gate of a CCD police station. The family including Adil Ahmed, his wife Dr Sidra, their son Affan and daughter Hania had arrived in Pakistan just two days prior from Australia after performing Haj. While traveling in their car, they were intercepted and robbed at gunpoint by three armed motorcyclists.
According to police sources, CCD officials emerged from the station during the commotion, prompting an exchange of fire. The robbers abandoned their motorcycle and fled the scene on foot. As the traumatized family attempted to drive away from the area, CCD personnel mistook their vehicle for that of the escaping criminals and opened indiscriminate fire, striking the car. Nine-year-old Hania Ahmed died on the spot, while her father and brother sustained severe bullet wounds and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
In the immediate aftermath, CCD officials attempted to alter the narrative, claiming the child had been killed by the fleeing muggers. However, subsequent investigations aided by newly surfaced CCTV footage disproved the initial claims, clearly showing law enforcement bullets striking the family’s vehicle.
Following the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Kashif Zulfiqar ordered an immediate crackdown on the robbers.
In an early-morning encounter, police later shot and killed two suspected robbers, identified as residents of Lahore and Sheikhupura.
Authorities have suspended and arrested a key CCD official, identified by sources as Shuja, and recovered his government-issued weapon. Investigators have formally added murder charges to the case, and a court has remanded the accused official to judicial custody, ordering his transfer to jail.
A Joint Investigation Team (JIT), headed by SP Investigation Sajid Gondal, has been formed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the operational lapses.
The tragedy has sparked widespread public outrage and attracted international attention. Australian media outlets have extensively covered the story, and the Australian government has taken official notice of the fatal shooting of its young citizen and wounding of her relatives.
While DPO Zulfiqar described the incident as deeply regrettable and promised strict legal action, the tragedy has intensified public scrutiny and renewed intense criticism over police operational procedures, training and the use of force by law enforcement personnel in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, according to a press statement issued by CCD Punjab, the department extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirms its absolute commitment to transparency, departmental accountability and the strict adherence to the Rule of Law.
“CCD emphasises that the conduct of the officer involved represents a grave deviation from our established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the legal standards governing the use of force. Consequently, the following actions were taken immediately: The officer was suspended from service and taken into custody on the same day. He was later arrested and has since been produced before a court of law and remanded to judicial custody. An FIR was registered immediately upon the complaint of the victim’s father. Forensic evidence, including the officer’s weapon and spent cartridges, have been secured and processed. The Department is maintaining daily communication with the affected family to provide updates on the investigation’s progress. The family has expressed satisfaction with the pace and transparency of the ongoing legal process.
“CCD remains governed by a strict Code of Conduct that mandates restraint and the proportionate use of force. We recognise that our primary duty is the protection of human life, and any failure to adhere to the principle of ‘minimum force’ is treated with the highest level of legal and departmental accountability.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. While our personnel operate in high-risk environments, there is no justification for a departure from our protocols. We are conducting a thorough, impartial investigation to ensure that justice is served. CCD remains steadfast in its duty to protect the public and will continue to hold its personnel to the highest standards professional conduct.
“The CCD reiterates its unwavering support for the victims’ family and its dedication to an expeditious legal conclusion to this case.”
