Punjab Police Inspector General Abdul Karim has assured that the tragic incident in Chakwal, where a nine-year-old girl lost her life during an alleged encounter involving the Counter Crime Department (CCD), will not be concealed under any circumstances.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore alongside the Additional Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), he emphasized the gravity with which the Punjab police are treating the case. A joint investigation team (JIT) has been established to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the killing of the young girl, identified as Hania Adeel.
Officials implicated in the shooting have been detained, and an inquiry is actively underway. Abdul Karim described the loss of the minor as profoundly tragic and stressed that the investigation would be conducted transparently without shielding anyone involved.
“The loss of an innocent life cannot be justified or hidden behind the veil of a police operation,” he stated, expressing condolences to Hania’s family and affirming the department’s commitment to justice. He reiterated that no external pressure would influence the ongoing investigation.
Legal action was promptly initiated following the incident, with an FIR registered based on the complaint filed by the victim’s father. The IG clarified that the JIT was formed not to protect any individual but to uncover the truth behind the incident.
He further acknowledged that public trust in any institution depends on its willingness to admit mistakes and assured that the inquiry would proceed independently and impartially. However, he refrained from disclosing details that might affect the investigation’s integrity.
The briefing followed the post-mortem examination, which confirmed that Hania Adeel died from multiple gunshot wounds. The medico-legal report revealed at least 11 bullet injuries, causing severe internal and external bleeding that led to heart and lung failure.
Medical experts noted that all injuries were sustained prior to death, with the time between injury and death being extremely short. The report also highlighted extensive internal trauma, including a fractured right thigh bone, critical damage to the right lung, and injuries to the liver as well as both large and small intestines.
A metallic bullet fragment was recovered and handed over to investigators for forensic analysis. Additionally, blood-stained clothing, X-ray images, and other medico-legal evidence have been submitted to the police to aid the investigation.
Hospital officials confirmed that the post-mortem was conducted within six to eight hours after the child’s death, as the inquiry continues to unfold.
