A nine-year-old Perth girl has been fatally shot by police while on a holiday in Pakistan in a case of mistaken identity during an armed robbery.
Hania Ahmed, who attended the Australian Islamic College in Kewdale, was visiting family in Chakwal with her parents and brother when they were confronted by armed robbers outside a relative’s home.
The relative told local media the girl’s mother was handing over about 500,000 rupees’ ($2,500) worth of jewellery when a police officer returning to the station across the road witnessed the incident.
He exchanged fire with the two suspects before they fled on a motorcycle.
As the family began to drive away in their rental car, more police attending the scene opened fire, believing the car belonged to the suspects, according to a police official.
The girl and her family were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Her father and brother were later transferred to Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi, where they underwent surgery.
‘Tragic situation’: attorney-general
WA Attorney-General Tony Buti has sent his condolences to the girl’s family and the Pakistani community.
“She was on a family holiday with her parents, mum and dad and her brother,” Dr Buti said.
“There was a case of mistaken identity and unfortunately, she was shot dead, which is so sad.
“I’ve spoken to a senior member of the Pakistani community of Western Australia this morning, Abdullah Khan, to pass on the government’s condolences and also support.
“He did tell me that the father and brother are recovering but it’s just a real tragic situation.”
Tony Buti says the government has offered its support to the Pakistani community. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the department was “providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who was killed and to two Australians injured in Pakistan”.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.
A police inquiry is underway, with local officials reportedly promising to hold accountable anyone found responsible for the incident.