A nine-year-old Australian girl has died after police in Pakistan's Punjab province mistakenly opened fire on her family's car during a response to an armed robbery, according to police and Australian media reports.
Hania Ahmed from Perth was fatally shot when officers reportedly mistook the vehicle for one linked to suspected robbers in Chakwal. Her father and brother were also injured in the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for a proper and transparent investigation into the shooting. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family.
Pakistani police confirmed the shooting but provided limited details about the ongoing investigation. The child had been visiting relatives in the area when the confrontation erupted.
Australian media reported that the case has drawn concern in Australia, with ABC Australia, The Guardian and others noting calls for accountability. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reportedly criticized Punjab's Crime Control Department for the response.
Sources: ABC Australia, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, AFP/CNA, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
