Summary Nine-year-old Hania Adeel killed in Chakwal shooting; CCD officer charged with murder as investigation begins into tragic incident
CHAKWAL (Web Desk) - A Pakistani-Australian family’s post-Hajj vacation turned into tragedy after nine-year-old Hania Adeel was killed during an alleged police firing incident in Chakwal district of Punjab.
Hania, an Australian citizen from Perth, was travelling with her parents and siblings when their vehicle came under fire from personnel of the Crime Control Department (CCD), who allegedly mistook it for a vehicle carrying fleeing robbers.
According to police and family sources, Hania’s father, Adeel, along with his wife Dr Sidra and their children, had recently performed Hajj and arrived in Pakistan for a family visit and holiday.
The incident occurred late at night while the family was travelling to a relative’s home for dinner. Near the CCD police station in Chakwal, armed suspects on a motorcycle allegedly intercepted their vehicle and robbed them of cash and jewellery.
An exchange of fire reportedly took place between the robbers and CCD personnel arriving at the scene. During the confusion, Adeel attempted to drive away with his family, but officials allegedly opened fire after assuming the vehicle belonged to the fleeing suspects.
The vehicle was hit by multiple bullets, critically injuring Hania. She was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), where she died shortly after arrival.
Her father and brother Affan also sustained gunshot wounds and were transferred to a medical facility in Rawalpindi for treatment, while Dr Sidra remained safe.
The incident triggered widespread public anger, with citizens and rights activists demanding accountability and a transparent investigation into the alleged misuse of authority.
In a major legal development, the case against the arrested CCD official was amended, with the charge upgraded to Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to murder, from the earlier charge under Section 322.
Authorities have seized the service rifle allegedly used in the incident, while the accused officer has been sent to jail on judicial remand. The investigation has also been transferred from local police to senior CCD officials to examine the circumstances that led to the alleged misidentification.
Hania’s grandfather appealed for justice, saying the family only wanted accountability for the loss of an innocent child.
Chakwal District Police Officer (DPO) expressed regret over the incident and assured that all aspects of the case would be investigated. He said strict action would be taken if negligence or misuse of authority was established.
The investigation is ongoing as the tragedy continues to raise questions over safety procedures during armed encounters and the accountability of law enforcement personnel.
