A Pakistani police officer has been taken into custody after the fatal shooting of a nine-year-old Perth girl, according to local authorities, 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.
The girl attended the Australian Islamic College in Kewdale in Perth's east. ( ABC News: Cason Ho )
Two suspects killed
In a statement, Chakwal District Police said the two suspects had been killed during a "police encounter".
"Timely action by special teams formed to arrest the suspects involved in the incident resulted in both primary dacoits being killed," the statement said.
The police said one police official had also been arrested after a preliminary investigation.
"To ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been established," the statement said.
"The team is meticulously reviewing all aspects of the case to bring the facts to light.
"If negligence or guilt is proven against any official, strict legal action will be taken without discrimination, and all requirements of justice will be fulfilled at all costs."
'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 )
Community in shock
Pakistanis in Australia president Zarrin Siddiqui said the family had moved to Australia as skilled migrants — the mother a dentist and father an engineer.
"We are very much devastated at the moment," she said.
"Although we are not directly related, but because of our community organisations, people are reaching out to us to ask for any help that we need and offer their own condolences.
"There are community members who are in shock, who have got some relived experiences of their past, they are suffering at the moment."
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.
Read the full article at ABC News (Australia) →
Australia