HRCP demands judicial inquiry into Chakwal girl killing

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded a judicial inquiry into the killing of a nine-year-old Pakistani-Australian girl during a firing

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded a judicial inquiry into the killing of a nine-year-old Pakistani-Australian girl during a firing incident involving Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD) in Chakwal.

The child, Hania Ahmed, was fatally shot when law enforcement personnel opened fire on a family vehicle during an operation last week. Her father and brother were also seriously injured, while her mother remained unharmed.

HRCP expressed deep concern over the incident, saying it was alarmed that such episodes of alleged extrajudicial use of force were continuing in Punjab despite repeated warnings. The commission said the growing reliance on lethal force raised serious questions about policing practices and accountability.

The rights body stated that it had previously documented hundreds of police encounters involving fatal shootings since the CCD’s formation, arguing that the normalization of such practices poses a serious threat to due process and public safety.

It stressed that internal departmental inquiries were not sufficient and called for an independent judicial probe to ensure transparency and accountability.

Separately, civil society activists have urged the Federal Constitutional Court to take suo motu notice of the incident, arguing that it involves potential violations of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 9 and 10A of the Constitution, which ensure the right to life and fair trial.

Activists said the case raises broader concerns about due process, questioning whether law enforcement agencies can act simultaneously as investigators, prosecutors, and enforcers without judicial oversight.

They demanded a transparent investigation under court supervision and called for accountability of all officials involved.

According to initial reports, the incident occurred when armed suspects on a motorcycle allegedly robbed the family near Chakwal. Shortly afterward, CCD personnel engaged in an exchange of fire with the suspects. During the operation, the family vehicle was mistakenly targeted when officers assumed it was linked to fleeing suspects.

The vehicle was struck by multiple bullets, critically injuring the child. She later died at hospital despite medical treatment. Her father and brother remain under care for serious injuries.

The case has sparked widespread public outrage, both locally and internationally, including calls from civil society, human rights groups, and foreign officials for a transparent and independent investigation.

Authorities have since upgraded the legal charges in the case from manslaughter to murder under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations under review.

An autopsy report confirmed multiple gunshot wounds to the child’s body, with injuries to several vital organs. The final forensic report is still awaited from the provincial laboratory.

The incident has intensified debate over the use of force by law enforcement agencies and renewed calls for reforms to ensure accountability, protection of civilian lives, and adherence to constitutional rights.