Australia demands answers after girl taken hostage is shot dead by Pakistan police
The Australian government has demanded a full inquiry after a 10-year-old Australian girl taken hostage was killed during a Pakistan police operation in Karachi. The girl had been visiting family when she was held by two armed men; she died when police stormed the house. The case has triggered a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
Maya Khan, 10, an Australian citizen visiting relatives in Karachi, was taken hostage on Monday by two armed men. After a six-hour siege, Pakistan police stormed the house. A single bullet to the head, fired during the assault, killed Khan, according to forensic teams at the scene.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade demanded an "independent and thorough" inquiry into the police operation. Australia's High Commissioner in Islamabad has called on the Pakistani Foreign Ministry. Pakistan's Interior Ministry said an investigation has been opened and the operational team suspended pending the outcome.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the loss "devastating" and offered his condolences to the family. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said all records relating to the operational team will be shared with Australia. Canberra has raised its travel advisory for Pakistan to the second-highest level.
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