A 9-year-old girl tragically lost her life when police mistakenly fired at a vehicle carrying her family, thinking they were involved in a jewel robbery incident.

The girl, Hania Ahmed, along with her parents and brother, were traveling to visit relatives in Chakwal, Punjab. Upon arrival at the uncle’s house of Dr. Sindra Khan, the family was confronted by two robbers who demanded their jewelry, resulting in the family handing over valuables worth around £3,937.

Subsequently, the robbers engaged in a shootout with a police officer before fleeing on a motorcycle. Police, mistaking the family’s car as the robbers’ getaway vehicle, opened fire on it. The vehicle eventually crashed near the family member’s residence, leading to the tragic death of Hania.

Her father and brother were transferred to Benazir Bhutto Hospital for treatment, while the mother escaped unharmed. Asim Chaudhry, the Pakistani Association general secretary, expressed shock over the incident, confirming the girl’s death.

An investigation has been initiated, with a Joint Investigation Team tasked to provide relevant findings. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is extending consular support to the affected Australian family members, expressing condolences during this difficult time.

It was later revealed that the two robbery suspects were killed during a police encounter. Additionally, one officer has been arrested following a preliminary inquiry into the incident.