A Perth family is seeking justice and mourning the devastating loss of nine-year-old Hania Ahmed after she was shot dead by police while visiting relatives in Pakistan.
The tragic incident unfolded in the Punjab district of Chakwal, where Hania and her family had travelled to see loved ones. Reports say the family had just been robbed at gunpoint by two men on a motorcycle when police arrived and opened fire, mistakenly believing their rental car was carrying the offenders.
Hania was killed at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Her father, Adeel Ahmed, and her brother were also injured in the shooting, while her mother escaped physically unharmed.
Speaking through his grief, Hania’s father said his daughter had “three to four wounds on her body” and died before help could arrive.
The nine-year-old has been remembered as a bright and joyful child by her school community in Perth, with her principal describing her as “happy, bubbly and friendly”.
Pakistani authorities have since arrested the officer involved, with a formal investigation now underway. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also called for a full and transparent inquiry into the tragedy.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it is providing consular support to the family as they face the unimaginable task of bringing their little girl home.
For Hania’s loved ones, what was meant to be a simple family trip has become every parent’s worst nightmare – a life cut heartbreakingly short, and a community left grieving.
Images: WA Police
