Chakwal girl’s killing will not be covered up: Punjab IG

LAHORE: Punjab Police Inspector General Abdul Karim on Thursday said the Chakwal incident in which a nine-year-old girl was killed during an alleged encounter involving the Counter Crime Department (CCD) will not be covered up under any pressure.

Addressing a press conference alongside the Additional Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Lahore, he said the Punjab Police fully recognised the seriousness of the incident and had already initiated legal and administrative action.

He said a joint investigation team (JIT) had been formed to probe the killing of the minor girl identified as Hania Adeel, adding that officials involved in the firing had been detained and an inquiry was underway.

The IG described the incident as “deeply tragic” and said it was unacceptable that an innocent life had been lost during a police operation. He said the matter would not be shielded from investigation under any circumstances.

“We share the grief of the family of Hania Adeel,” he said, adding that authorities would proceed strictly in accordance with law and facts without yielding to any pressure.

He said an FIR had already been registered on the complaint of the victim’s father and legal proceedings had begun immediately after the incident.

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Abdul Karim said the purpose of the JIT was not to protect anyone but to establish the truth and ensure accountability. He added that no institution could retain public trust without acknowledging mistakes and allowing transparent inquiry.

He declined to comment on operational details, saying it could affect the ongoing investigation.

The statement comes after a post-mortem examination confirmed that the nine-year-old died due to multiple gunshot wounds. Medico-legal findings showed at least 11 injury marks consistent with bullet wounds, along with severe internal bleeding that led to failure of the heart and lungs.

The report also revealed extensive internal injuries, including a fractured right thigh bone, critical damage to the right lung, and trauma to the liver and intestines. A metallic bullet fragment was recovered and handed over for forensic analysis, while additional medico-legal evidence including blood-stained clothing and X-rays has been submitted to investigators.

Hospital authorities said the post-mortem was conducted six to eight hours after the child’s death as investigations into the incident continue.