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EU Condemns Pakistan's Kabul Hospital Strike as Deadly Escalation

The European Union has condemned a Pakistani airstrike that struck the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, calling it a deadly escalation. Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, stated the attack killed over 400 patients and injured hundreds more. The EU emphasized that attacks on medical facilities violate international humanitarian law and urged both nations to exercise restraint. The incident has intensified calls for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Key Points: EU Condemns Pakistan Airstrike on Afghan Hospital

  • EU condemns deadly airstrike on Kabul hospital
  • Strike targeted drug rehab center, hundreds reported killed
  • Violation of International Humanitarian Law cited
  • Call for immediate ceasefire and dialogue
  • Afghan FM accuses Pakistan of deliberate targeting
2 min read

EU condemns Pakistani strike on Afghan hospital as deadly escalation, urges restraint

EU condemns Pakistani airstrike on Kabul hospital, urges restraint. Hundreds reported killed in attack on drug rehab facility, violating international law.

"Civilian and medical facilities must never be targeted, as they are protected under International Humanitarian Law... - EU Statement"

Kabul, March 18

The European Union has condemned a Pakistani airstrike on a medical facility in Kabul, describing it as a deadly escalation in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The EU urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take all feasible measures to protect civilians, warning that attacks on civilian and medical facilities violate international humanitarian law.

The statement comes after a Pakistani strike on Monday night targeted the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul's Pul-e-Charkhi area, killing hundreds and injuring several others.

"Civilian and medical facilities must never be targeted, as they are protected under International Humanitarian Law, including the Geneva Conventions. All parties engaged in military operations have the obligation to respect these provisions under all circumstances," the EU said.

The EU joined the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Tuesday claimed that the attack carried out by Pakistani forces at Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital killed more than 408 patients undergoing drug rehabilitation and injured over 265.

Addressing ambassadors, heads of missions, and representatives of international organisations in Kabul, Muttaqi said the strikes occurred around 9 p.m. on March 16 and were conducted by "military aircraft and drones of the Pakistani military regime," deliberately targeting one of the most vulnerable groups in Afghan society.

He added that the victims were drug-addicted individuals receiving treatment through Afghan government programmes supported by international humanitarian organisations, and warned that the numbers could rise further.

Muttaqi accused Pakistan's military of showing no regard for Islamic or humanitarian principles of warfare, deliberately striking civilian and humanitarian facilities, and highlighted that the assault came during the final days of Ramadan and on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

He said Afghan security forces had responded with proportionate and defensive measures, targeting only military sites from which attacks were launched, and reiterated that such actions would continue until Pakistan ceased its "violations and crimes."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in humanitarian aid, this breaks my heart. Medical facilities are sanctuaries. The timing during Ramadan makes it even more cruel. The EU's condemnation is necessary but insufficient. Where is the actionable plan to protect civilians?
A
Aman W
Very sad news. The region cannot afford this escalation. While Pakistan's action is condemnable, we must also ask why terror groups operating from Afghan soil threaten its neighbors. A lasting solution needs dialogue, not airstrikes. Hope peace prevails soon.
P
Priyanka N
The loss of over 400 lives is staggering. These were people trying to get better. Pakistan often lectures others on human rights, but its own actions speak volumes. The world needs to see this double standard clearly.
D
David E
Respectfully, while the strike is terrible, the article only presents the Afghan minister's claims. We should wait for independent verification from groups like the UN or ICRC before accepting casualty numbers. All parties spread propaganda during war.
K
Kavya N
Heartbreaking. Innocent patients paying the price. This instability at our doorstep is worrying for India's security too. Our government must stay vigilant and continue its humanitarian work in Afghanistan, helping the common people who suffer the most.

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