Senior Punjab Police officials have acknowledged mistakes made by a Crime Control Department (CCD) officer in the tragic Chakwal incident that led to the death of a young girl, pledging that those responsible will face legal action.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Lahore, CCD Additional IG Sohail Zafar Chattha and Punjab Punjab IG Rao Abdul Kareem assured the victim’s family that the case would be handled on merit and that no officer would be protected if found guilty of wrongdoing.
Chattha openly admitted that the CCD officer involved in the incident made a serious mistake. He said the officer misused force during the operation and failed to exercise the level of caution required in such situations.
According to Chattha, the official acted under a misunderstanding created by the crossfire situation, but that did not absolve him of responsibility.
“The CCD official made a mistake in the Chakwal incident. He misused his authority and force,” Chattha said.
Robbers were hiding behind vehicle
Providing details of the incident, Chattha explained that the suspects involved in the encounter had taken cover behind a vehicle during the exchange of fire. He said the officer should have properly assessed the situation before opening fire and should have identified who was firing the bullets.
“During the crossfire, the robbers were hiding behind the vehicle. The officer should have seen who was firing the bullets,” he said.
Chattha added that the weapon used in the incident had been officially issued to the same officer, meaning he could not evade responsibility for his actions.
Protection of family members
The CCD chief emphasized that law enforcement personnel are required to ensure the safety of non-combatants during operations.
He said the established principle is that even if family members of an accused person are present during an encounter or operation, they must be protected from harm.
“The principle is that if the family members of the accused are also present during the encounter, they are protected,” Chattha stated.
IGP vows action under criminal law
IGP Kareem said the Punjab Police would not defend or shield any officer involved in illegal actions or abuse of authority. Addressing concerns over the incident, he stressed that accountability would be ensured through legal procedures.
“We will not protect any officer’s illegal actions and abuse of authority,” the police chief said. He added that action against those responsible is already underway and is being carried out strictly on merit under criminal laws.
Investigation, accountability continue
The death of the girl during the Chakwal operation has sparked widespread concern and demands for accountability.
Punjab Police leadership has now publicly acknowledged mistakes in the handling of the incident and assured the victim’s family that justice will be pursued through the legal process.
Officials reiterated that the case will be investigated transparently and that any officer found responsible for negligence, misuse of force, or abuse of authority will face action in accordance with the law.
