Admitting that the Crime Control Department (CCD) erred in the recent shooting of a young girl in Chakwal, the Punjab Police and CCD stated on Thursday that the incident would not be defended or concealed in any way.
The shooting was characterized as an instance of criminal negligence, with the CCD official’s insufficient training cited as a factor that prevented proper assessment of the situation.
Nine‑year‑old Hania was killed and her father and brother were injured last week when CCD officers opened fire on their vehicle in the Chakwal area, mistakenly believing it belonged to armed robbers.
At a press conference on Thursday, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Karim called the incident “deeply tragic.”
He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that the negligence involved would be documented to hold those responsible accountable before the courts.
Karim emphasized that public trust requires acknowledgment of mistakes, and pledged an independent investigation.
AIG Sohail Zafar Chattha of the CCD said that the family’s trust was of paramount importance to the police.
He noted that public confidence in the CCD matters, as society expects the department to be infallible, and said the tragic incident had embarrassed both the CCD and the Punjab police.
“It is now the appropriate moment to learn from this criminal negligence and correct the errors within the CCD to prevent future incidents,” Chattha said.
They said a plan has been developed to address training shortfalls and gaps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We will not defend this criminal negligence under any circumstances,” he added, reaffirming that the CCD stands with the victim’s family.
He clarified that the officer charged with murder would not receive police sympathy.
In response to a question, Chattha said the charges against the arrested personnel would be finalized within a week and presented to the court for further legal proceedings.
The press conference followed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Monday demand for a transparent investigation into Hania’s killing.
In response to public outcry, the Australian premier highlighted the need for a detailed inquiry, stating, “These circumstances do need to be examined.”
He added that the facts must be examined transparently so that everyone understands that “the family is more important than anything.”
Albanese expressed his condolences to the girl’s family and friends and said he would show solidarity with the Pakistani‑Australian community.
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