Australia has called for a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the death of a nine-year-old Australian girl who was killed during a police shooting incident in Pakistan's Punjab province.
The victim, Hania Ahmed, was visiting Pakistan with her family when they were reportedly taken hostage by armed robbers in the city of Chakwal on June 10.
According to Punjab Police, the family was being held at gunpoint inside their rental vehicle when officers responded to the incident. Authorities said the suspects opened fire on a police officer, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
Police stated that an officer mistakenly believed the suspects were attempting to flee in the family's vehicle and fired his weapon, fatally striking Hania and injuring her father and older brother.
Albanese demands answers
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy must be fully examined.
"These circumstances do need to be examined. They need to be examined in a transparent way, so that everyone can know, the family, most importantly, but others as well," Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
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"Australia expects there to be transparency and a proper investigation of these circumstances," he added.
The Australian government said it is providing consular assistance to the grieving family.
Conflicting accounts emerge
Punjab Police said the suspects fired first at officers, prompting the police response. The officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody pending an investigation.
However, Hania's father reportedly told SBS Urdu that police opened fire before the suspects, raising questions about the sequence of events.
Punjab Police said there was "absolutely no justification for deviating from established protocols" and pledged a thorough and impartial inquiry into the incident.
Community in shock
The death of the young girl has sparked grief in both Pakistan and Australia.
Hania was a student at the Australian Islamic College in Perth. School principal Abdullah Khan described her as a cheerful and well-liked child.
"Hania was very friendly, bubbly and very social," Khan said.
"She had lots of friends and was very respectful to teachers. She was loved by everyone."
The school has arranged counselling services for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
"Especially the students in her class — they are distressed and in a state of shock," Khan added.
The incident has drawn widespread attention and renewed scrutiny of police operational procedures during hostage situations.
Authorities in Punjab say investigations are ongoing and that accountability will be ensured once all facts surrounding the shooting are established.
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