A police officer in Pakistan's Punjab province has been arrested following a tragic incident where an Australian girl was killed and two family members injured. Authorities described the shooting as a mistake during a response to a robbery.
Incident Details
According to Punjab Police, officers responded to reports of a robbery on Wednesday and exchanged fire with armed suspects who had allegedly stopped a family's vehicle and were holding its occupants at gunpoint. In the chaos, an officer mistakenly believed the suspects were attempting to flee in the family's car and opened fire.
Punjab Police's Crime Control Department stated on Sunday: "In the ensuing chaos, the officer involved mistakenly assessed that the suspects were attempting to flee in the victims' vehicle and discharged his weapon."
Victims and Response
The shooting killed Hania, identified by Punjab Police as 10 years old, and injured her father and brother. However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the victim was nine years old. Australian media reported that the family, from Perth, was visiting relatives in Pakistan when the incident occurred.
Punjab Police confirmed that a criminal complaint was registered based on the father's statement, and the officer involved was arrested and remanded in custody by a court.
International Reaction
Prime Minister Albanese called for a transparent investigation, stating on Monday: "Our government expects there to be transparency and a proper investigation of these circumstances." He described the situation as "dire" and noted that multiple family members were injured.
Australia's foreign affairs ministry said it was providing consular assistance to the family of the Australian citizen killed and the two relatives wounded.
Police Statement
Punjab Police announced a "thorough, impartial investigation" is underway. The force expressed deep sadness, stating: "While our personnel operate in high-risk environments, there is no justification for a departure from our protocols."
