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UN Demands Probe Into Pakistan's Kabul Hospital Strike Killing Hundreds

The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into a Pakistani airstrike that targeted a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul. The strike reportedly killed hundreds of people, with the majority being patients receiving treatment for addiction. Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, condemned the attack as a serious violation of humanitarian principles and warned of defensive responses if attacks continue. Muttaqi also urged the international community to condemn Pakistan's actions, citing risks to regional stability.

Key Points: UN Calls for Probe Into Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul Hospital

  • UN demands probe into deadly airstrike
  • Strike hit drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul
  • Afghan FM condemns violation of humanitarian principles
  • Hundreds reported killed, mostly patients
  • Warning of regional destabilisation
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UN Special Rapporteur calls for probe, compensation after Pakistani strike on Kabul hospital

UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett demands independent investigation and compensation after Pakistani airstrike hits Kabul drug rehab centre, killing hundreds.

"must be promptly, independently and transparently investigated - Richard Bennett"

Kabul, March 18

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, on Wednesday, called for an immediate, independent and transparent probe into Pakistan's airstrike on drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul. He demanded that compensation should be paid to victims and their families.

His 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.

"I echo that the air strike by Pakistan impacting a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul reportedly leaving scores dead and injured, must be promptly, independently and transparently investigated, those responsible held to account, and reparations made to victims and families," Richard Bennett posted on X.

He made the statement in response to UN Human Rights post on X, where it called for probe and accountability for the blast at drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul.

In a post on X, UN Human Rights stated, "We call for investigations and accountability for last night's tragic blast at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, that left scores of patients dead. All parties must take effective measures to ensure the protection of civilians."

On Tuesday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi condemned Pakistani airstrike on Kabul, terming it a serious violation of humanitarian and Islamic principles. He said that more than 408 people were killed and over 260 others were injured in Pakistani strike, majority of them patients at a drug rehabilitation centre, Afghanistan-based Ariana News reported. He accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian facilities.

Speaking to diplomats and representatives from various organisations in Kabul, Muttaqi said that the Pakistani airstrike targeted one of the most vulnerable groups in society-people who were receiving treatment for drug addiction.

He said that repeated attacks since February, including strikes on civilian areas in various parts of Afghanistan, has diminished trust in diplomatic solutions. He warned that Afghan forces will continue "proportionate and legitimate" defensive responses if attacks continue, emphasising that Afghanistan does not want war but will protect its sovereignty and territory, Ariana News reported.

Muttaqi urged the international community to condemn Pakistan's strike, warning that continued escalation by Islamabad risks destabilising the wider region and impacting major economic and development initiatives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The sheer number of casualties is heartbreaking. Over 400 killed? These were people seeking help for addiction, not combatants. The international community's response needs to be stronger than just statements. Where is the action?
V
Vikram M
While the attack is condemnable, we must also remember the complex history of the region. Pakistan has long accused Afghan soil of harboring anti-Pakistan militants. That said, nothing justifies bombing a civilian medical facility. A transparent probe is the only way forward.
P
Priya S
The Afghan FM is correct—this violates Islamic principles of protecting the vulnerable. It's sad to see Muslim nations attacking each other. The focus should be on helping the victims' families. Compensation is the bare minimum Pakistan can do.
R
Rohit P
This instability at our doorstep is concerning for India's security as well. A destabilized Afghanistan and an aggressive Pakistan is a dangerous combination. Hope our diplomats are watching this closely.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the call for a probe is good, the UN often seems toothless in these situations. Will this investigation actually happen, and will Pakistan cooperate? History suggests otherwise. The world needs more than just rapporteur statements.
A
Ananya R
My heart goes out to the families. Losing

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