RAWALPINDI: The Crime Control Department (CCD) has officially acknowledged a critical operational error during a recent robbery response in Chakwal that resulted in the tragic death of nine-year-old Hania and injuries to two others.
In a significant escalation of legal proceedings, the prosecutor general of Punjab has formally designated the incident as a high-profile case. The acknowledgment came during a visit by the director general of CCD to the aggrieved family, where he expressed condolences and briefed relatives on the ongoing accountability measures.
In what senior officials described as a serious error in judgment and deployment of excessive force, the officer continued firing, tragically striking the young girl and wounding two bystanders. Authorities have confirmed that both the injured are currently in a stable condition and recovering well.
The department leadership disclosed that Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to murder, was added to the case after extensive internal legal deliberations. Officials noted that while the final determination of charges rests with the trial court based on the evidence presented, the department is handling the matter with seriousness.
During his visit to the victim’s home, the DG assured the family that the CCD would maintain strict neutrality throughout the judicial process and make no attempt to shield its personnel from legal consequences. He said the CCD has initiated a comprehensive review of its standard operating procedures to strengthen field protocols, warning that any future procedural violations would face severe department and legal action, regardless of rank.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese -- who said the child killed was nine years old -- told journalists that his government “expects there to be transparency and a proper investigation of these circumstances.”
“My understanding is that not only has a young girl lost her life but there have been other members of the family injured as well in circumstances which are dire indeed,” he said. Australia´s foreign affairs ministry said it was providing assistance to the family of an Australian citizen who been killed and two others injured.
Punjab Police said it was conducting “a thorough, impartial investigation to ensure that justice is served.” “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,” it added.
