Chakwal shooting of nine-year-old girl triggers murder charge and wider probe

ISLAMABAD: A nine-year-old girl was killed after Crime Control Department personnel opened fire on a family car in Chakwal, in an incident authorities say stemmed from a mistaken identification during an armed robbery and exchange of fire near a CCD police station.

The child, Hania Adeel, was travelling with her family after they had recently performed Hajj and were visiting relatives in Pakistan. Her father, Adeel, an Australian citizen living in Perth, had come to Pakistan with his wife, Dr Sidra, and their children for a family holiday.

The shooting took place late in the evening as the family was heading to a relative's home for dinner. Near the CCD police station in Chakwal, two armed men on a motorcycle allegedly intercepted their vehicle and robbed them of cash and jewellery. CCD personnel arrived and a gun battle followed between officers and the robbers.

Adeel tried to drive his family away from the crossfire. CCD officials, believing the fast-moving vehicle belonged to the suspects, then opened fire on the car. The vehicle was hit by multiple bullets, critically injuring Hania.

She was taken to District Headquarters Hospital, where she died shortly after arrival. Her father and brother, Affan, also suffered serious gunshot wounds and were shifted to a specialised medical facility in Rawalpindi, where they remained in intensive care. Dr Sidra was not physically injured.

Case upgraded and weapon seized

Authorities have since amended the case registered against the arrested CCD official. The charge has been changed to Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, dealing with premeditated murder, from the earlier Section 322, which relates to manslaughter or unintentional killing.

The service rifle allegedly used in the shooting has been taken into custody as evidence, and the accused officer has been sent to jail on judicial remand. The investigation was removed from the local City Police and handed to senior levels within the CCD in an effort to ensure impartiality and examine the operational lapses that led to the misidentification.

Family seeks justice

The killing prompted strong reaction on social media and condemnation from civil society, with calls for accountability over the conduct of law enforcement personnel.

Hania's grandfather appealed for justice and demanded punishment for those responsible.

"We only want justice," he said. "Our innocent little girl was not involved in any crime. She was just a child who became a victim of absolute lawlessness. Those responsible must be punished to the full extent of the law."

The District Police Officer of Chakwal also issued a statement expressing sorrow over the death of the child and said the inquiry would examine every aspect of the incident. The DPO said that if negligence or misuse of authority is established, strict action will be taken against the personnel involved.