Father of slain girl questioned as investigation into Chakwal shooting progresses

Investigators have recorded the statement of the father of a nine-year-old girl who was allegedly shot dead by a Crime Control Department (CCD) official in Chakwal, as authorities continue to probe the incident that has drawn widespread attention, reported 24NewssHD TV channel.

According to sources, the injured father’s statement was recorded by a special investigation team at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. Investigators also examined the attendance record of the CCD official allegedly involved in the shooting.

Sources said the official weapon allegedly used in the incident has been recovered from the police constable concerned. Following the completion of the initial investigation, the constable was presented before a court and sent to jail on judicial remand.

An area magistrate remanded the suspect to judicial custody and directed investigators to submit the case challan on June 26.

Meanwhile, bullet casings recovered from the scene have been sent to a forensic laboratory for examination.

The incident occurred after the family was reportedly targeted by robbers. According to sources, the two suspected robbers involved in the robbery were later killed in an alleged police encounter. The deceased suspects were identified as Muhammad Fayyaz and Muhammad Abbas.

Sources said both men were wanted by police in multiple criminal cases and were killed in a police operation a day after the girl's death.

The case has also attracted international attention following reports that the deceased child, Hania, was an Australian national of Pakistani origin.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Authorities are investigating how the shooting occurred and under what circumstances the nine-year-old girl lost her life during the incident.

Officials have said further action will be determined in light of the investigation findings and forensic evidence.

The case remains under investigation.