The incident took place in Chakwal when Punjab Police Elite Force personnel reportedly mistook the family’s vehicle for a getaway car used by armed thieves.

Police said the family was trying to escape after suspected robbers attempted to stop them at gunpoint. During the confusion, an officer allegedly fired at the vehicle, resulting in the death of Hania Ahmed and injuries to her father Adeel Ahmed and brother Aafan.

The Punjab Police Crime Control Department said the shooting was a mistaken assessment and the officer involved has been taken into custody.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for transparency and a full investigation, saying the circumstances surrounding the child’s death were deeply concerning.

Authorities said the two robbery suspects were later killed in a separate encounter, while the investigation into the police shooting continues.