The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday issued notices to the Inspector General of Punjab, the Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi, and the District Police Officer Chakwal in connection with the death of a nine-year-old girl, Hania, in a firing incident reported in Chakwal.
The petition was filed in the public interest by Advocate Mian Asif Mahmood. It challenges the circumstances surrounding the incident, which allegedly involved firing by the Crime Control Department (CCD) that resulted in the death of the child.
During the initial hearing, the court ordered notices to be issued to senior police officials and directed them to submit their responses by the following day. The court also removed objections to the petition and formally fixed it for hearing.
The petition claims that the Chakwal incident raises serious questions regarding the misuse of authority by state institutions. It alleges that indiscriminate firing by CCD personnel led to the killing of nine-year-old Hania, who belonged to a Pakistani-origin Australian family.
It further argues that the incident constitutes a serious violation of citizens’ fundamental rights and asserts that the affected family should be provided protection. The petition has called for a judicial inquiry into the matter and the formation of an independent judicial commission to ensure accountability and justice.
The court, presided over by Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, directed all relevant parties to submit their responses by the next day.
On June 14, the TV channel reported that a major development has emerged in the case of nine-year-old Australian citizen Hania Ahmed, who was killed during a shooting incident in Chakwal, as police have added a murder charge against a Crime Control Department (CCD) officer nominated in the case, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday.
According to police sources, the case was initially registered under Section 322 of the PPC, relating to unintentional killing.
However, following further investigation, forensic findings, and a review of available evidence, authorities have now included Section 302 (murder) in the case.
Sources said the rifle allegedly used in the shooting has been recovered from the possession of the nominated CCD officer, identified as Shuja.
The suspect has been presented before a court and subsequently sent to jail on judicial remand.
The case stems from an incident a few days ago in which a Pakistan-origin family visiting from Australia came under fire after a robbery incident in Chakwal.
The shooting claimed the life of Hania Ahmed, while her father, Adeel Ahmed, and brother, Afan Ahmed, sustained serious injuries.
Initially, the incident was described as an accidental shooting that occurred during the pursuit of suspected robbers.
However, a review of CCTV footage and other evidence later allegedly pointed towards firing by CCD personnel, prompting police to register a case against one of the officers involved.
Given the sensitivity of the case, investigators have transferred the inquiry from the City Police Station to the CCD.
A Joint Investigation Team (JIT), headed by SP Investigation Sajid Gondal, is also examining various aspects of the incident to determine responsibility and establish the sequence of events.
Meanwhile, Australian media reports indicated that the Australian government has taken notice of the death of its young citizen and the injuries suffered by her family members.
The development has drawn international attention and increased scrutiny of the ongoing investigation.
