The tragic death of nine-year-old Hania Ahmad has sparked a heated debate in Pakistan, with conflicting accounts of the incident raising questions about the actions of law enforcement and the broader implications for the country's policing model. The incident, which occurred in Chakwal near Islamabad, has brought to light the controversial nature of the Crime Control Department (CCD) and its role in extrajudicial killings.
The Ahmad family, visiting from Australia, found themselves in the crosshairs of a police officer who mistook them for thieves. The father, Adeel Ahmad, insists that the officer fired first, an assertion that has been met with skepticism by officials. The officer, under investigation for murder, claims he was fired upon, but the lack of CCTV footage and the family's dissatisfaction with the department's handling of the investigation have cast doubt on the official narrative.
This incident is not an isolated case. The CCD, established to combat organized crime, has been implicated in numerous extrajudicial killings, with 924 deaths of suspects during 'encounters' since its inception. The Sahiwal shooting in 2019, where a similar scenario unfolded, further highlights the systemic issues within Pakistani law enforcement. The incident involved the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department, which, despite claiming high-level intelligence, was accused of mistaken identity and negligence.
Legal expert Abuzar Salman Khan Niazi argues that the Chakwal incident is a symptom of Pakistan's policing model, prioritizing 'encounter-based policing' over legal procedures. This culture of impunity, he suggests, is rooted in political patronage and institutional backing, allowing officers to operate outside the boundaries of constitutional or legal frameworks. The lack of accountability and inadequate oversight contribute to a troubling pattern of incidents.
As the investigation into Hania's death continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for reform in Pakistan's law enforcement agencies. The family's demand for CCTV footage and their dissatisfaction with the department's handling of the investigation underscore the importance of transparency and accountability. The tragic loss of Hania's life has ignited a much-needed conversation about the country's policing practices and the urgent need for change.
