Police, CCD admit mistake in Chakwal shooting that killed nine-year old Hania Ahmad

LAHORE – Punjab Police and the Crime Control Department (CCD) on Thursday admitted that a mistake by a police officer led to the death of a nine-year old Australian School girl Hania Ahmad during a shooting incident in Chakwal earlier this month and pledged that those responsible would face legal action. Addressing a press conference, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Karim and CCD Additional IGP Sohail Zafar Chatha expressed grief over the incident and assured the victim’s family that the investigation would be conducted transparently. IGP Abdul Karim termed the incident highly tragic, saying a young girl lost her life while her father and brother sustained injuries. He extended condolences to the bereaved family and said the loss could not be adequately described in words. He said the incident could not be concealed or justified under any circumstances, adding that criminal proceedings had already been initiated. The police officer allegedly involved has been taken into custody and is being investigated, he said, assuring that no official would be protected for any unlawful act or abuse of authority. “The case is being investigated in a fair and transparent manner, and anyone found responsible will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” the IGP said. Referring to the sacrifices of police personnel, Abdul Karim said officers continue to perform their duties despite security challenges. He noted that two policemen were recently martyred in a terrorist attack in Dera Ghazi Khan, while two CCD officials had also lost their lives during encounters with criminals. Speaking on the occasion, Additional IGP CCD Sohail Zafar Chatha said an FIR had been registered immediately on the complaint of the deceased girl’s father and that the contents of the case had not been altered due to the sensitivity of the matter. He said the weapon used in the incident had been officially issued to the officer concerned, making it impossible for him t