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UN Demands Probe After Pakistani Airstrike Kills Hundreds in Kabul Hospital

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an immediate end to hostilities and a transparent investigation after a Pakistani airstrike targeted a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, reportedly killing hundreds of patients. Afghan officials claim the strike killed over 400 people and injured 250 others, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict. The UN emphasized that international humanitarian law provides specific protections for medical facilities and civilians. In response, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry has warned of a severe retaliatory response to what it calls a violation of its sovereignty.

Key Points: UN Urges End to Hostilities After Kabul Hospital Airstrike

  • UN calls for investigation into hospital blast
  • Afghan officials report over 400 killed
  • UN stresses protection of medical facilities
  • Afghanistan vows "teeth-breaking response"
  • Conflict has displaced tens of thousands
2 min read

UN Rights chief urges end to hostilities after Pakistani airstrike on Kabul hospital kills hundreds

UN rights chief calls for investigation and aid after Pakistani strike on Kabul drug rehab centre kills hundreds, escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict.

"Such attacks cannot go unanswered. - Abdul Matin Qane"

Geneva, March 17

As the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan continues to escalate, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Tuesday reiterated his call to end hostilities and take effective measures to ensure the protection of civilians, in line with obligations under international human rights law.

Calling for an investigation into the "blast" at Kabul's drug rehabilitation centre which has reportedly claimed lives of hundreds of patients, the UN High Commissioner urged the need for humanitarian aid to reach those desperately in need.

"Last night's tragic blast at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, that reportedly left scores of patients dead, must be investigated promptly, independently and transparently, and those responsible held to account in line with international standards. Those results must be made public. Victims and victims' families are entitled to reparations," spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday.

The statement comes after Afghan officials claimed that more than 400 people have been killed and 250 others injured following the Pakistani airstrike that targetted the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul's Pul-e-Charkhi area on Monday night.

Several witnesses described the scene of total destruction at the hospital site with hundreds of people looking for their relatives.

"Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian objects are strictly protected. The laws of war clearly spell out that any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions. International humanitarian law provides for specific and increased protections for medical facilities," the UN High Commissioner's office stated.

Much before the latest attack by Pakistani forces, hundreds of Afghan civilians, including women and children, have reportedly been killed or injured since the hostilities between both countries increased last month. Tens of thousands of people have also been displaced as a result of the ongoing fighting.

On Tuesday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior spokesperson Abdul Matin Qane warned that the country will give a "teeth-breaking response" to the deadly airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in Kabul.

Qane said recovery efforts were being made as emergency teams were searching for bodies under the rubble, Afghanistan-based Ariana News reported.

He said Afghanistan considers Pakistan's latest strike as major escalation and warned of a befitting response.

"Such attacks cannot go unanswered," Qane said reiterating that authorities in Kabul consider the incident as a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty, Ariana News reported.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the families in Kabul. Hundreds of lives lost in a rehabilitation center... it's a new low. The international community needs to do more than just issue statements. Where is the action? This cycle of violence has to stop. 🙏
R
Rohit P
While the attack is condemnable, we must also look at the broader context. Afghanistan has been a source of instability for the region for decades. Pakistan's actions, however wrong, are a reaction to threats from across the border. A complex issue, not just black and white.
S
Sarah B
The principle of distinction is fundamental. You cannot bomb a medical facility. Period. This is a clear war crime under international law. The UN must ensure a transparent investigation and real consequences, not just another report that gathers dust.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, seeing our neighborhood burn like this is deeply concerning. This escalation between Pakistan and Afghanistan is bad for the entire subcontinent's stability. We need regional diplomacy, not more airstrikes. Hope cooler heads prevail.
K
Kavya N
"Teeth-breaking response" – such strong words from Afghanistan. But where does this lead? To more broken families and rubble. Both sides need to step back. The real victims are always the common people, not the politicians making the statements. So tragic.

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