Australian Child Among Three Casualties in Police Shooting in Pakistan

Darwin, 15 June : An Australian child was killed and two other members of the child’s family were injured in a police shooting in eastern Pakistan.

Australia has called for a full investigation into the incident.

According to Punjab Police, officers were conducting an operation related to a robbery on Wednesday when they became involved in a shootout with suspected criminals. During the incident, members of a family traveling in a car had reportedly been taken hostage.

The report was published by AFP.

In a police statement, authorities said, “As the situation became chaotic, the officer on duty mistakenly believed that the suspects were attempting to flee in the victims’ vehicle and opened fire.”

As a result of this error, 10-year-old Hania was killed, while her father and brother were injured.

Punjab Police said a case had been registered based on a complaint filed by the child’s father, and the police officer involved had been arrested.

The officer was later presented before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

Australian media reported that the family had traveled from the city of Perth in Western Australia to Pakistan to visit relatives when the incident occurred.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government expects full transparency and a proper investigation into the matter.

He stated, “Not only has a child lost her life, but other members of the family have also been seriously injured. This is an extremely tragic incident.”

Australia’s foreign ministry said it is providing assistance to the family of the deceased Australian citizen and to those who were injured.

Punjab Police said a “completely impartial and detailed investigation” is underway.

In a statement, the police expressed regret over the incident, adding that although officers were operating in a high-risk situation, there can be no justification for conduct that falls outside established procedures.