Arabic version: فتاة أسترالية تُقتل برصاص الشرطة في باكستان

A nine-year-old Australian girl was shot dead by police in Chakwal, in Pakistan’s Punjab province, during a tragic mix-up. According to SBS News, the incident occurred while the girl and her family were visiting relatives and were allegedly robbed at gunpoint.

The family was in a rental car when two armed robbers on a motorcycle attempted to flee after being spotted by police. Mistaking the family’s car for that of the suspects, police opened fire, resulting in the death of the girl and serious injuries to her father and brother. Her mother was unharmed in the incident.

The girl was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Her father and older brother were transferred to Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi for surgery following their injuries.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to the family affected by this tragedy. A spokesperson expressed condolences, stating, “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.”

The local community has expressed shock over the incident, especially the loss of the young girl. A police investigation is currently underway to address the circumstances surrounding the shooting.