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UN Urges Restraint as Pak-Afghan Border Clashes Kill Dozens, Displace Thousands

The UN Special Rapporteur has echoed UNAMA's deep concern over escalating hostilities along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Preliminary UN data reports at least 146 civilian casualties and the displacement of approximately 16,400 households. The conflict has forced the World Food Programme to suspend activities, impacting food aid for around 160,000 people in provinces already facing critical malnutrition. The UN stresses that dialogue is the only sustainable solution and urges all parties to protect civilians and respect international law.

Key Points: UN Alarmed by Civilian Toll in Pak-Afghan Border Clashes

  • 146 civilian casualties in recent clashes
  • 16,400 households displaced
  • WFP pauses aid, impacting 160,000
  • Hostilities worsen grave humanitarian crisis
  • UN calls for restraint and adherence to international law
2 min read

UN Special Rapporteur echoes UNAMA concerns over deadly Pak-Afghan clashes, calls for restraint

UN rapporteur echoes UNAMA's grave concern over deadly border clashes causing 146 civilian casualties and displacing thousands of families.

"Dialogue is the only sustainable path. - Richard Bennett"

Kabul, March 4

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, on Wednesday echoed concerns raised by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan over the intensifying clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border that have resulted in heavy civilian casualties and displacement.

He called on both parties to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), stressing that dialogue remains the only sustainable solution.

"Echoing UNAMA's deep concerns about escalating hostilities along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border that have caused significant civilian casualties and displacement. Parties must exercise maximum restraint and fully respect IHRL and IHL. Dialogue is the only sustainable path," Bennett posted on X.

Meanwhile, the UNAMA reiterated its call for a halt in cross-border clashes, documenting at least 146 civilian casualties in Afghanistan--42 people killed, and 104 injured, including women and children-- between February 26 and March 2.

"The civilian casualties include those caused by indirect fire in cross-border clashes, which impacted residential areas in Paktya, Paktika, Nangarhar, Kunar and Khost provinces in Afghanistan, as well as those caused by airstrikes in Paktika and Nangarhar provinces," it stated.

Citing preliminary data compiled by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UNAMA estimated that around 16,400 households have been displaced across Afghanistan's Paktya, Paktika, Nangarhar, Kunar and Khost provinces following the clashes.

It further noted that hundreds of families still displaced after the August 2025 Kunar earthquake -- Afghanistan's deadliest in nearly 30 years -- have been advised to leave the area and return to their place of origin or stay with relatives as a precaution.

"Restrictions on movements in the border area due to the active conflict have reduced the capacity of humanitarian agencies and partners to deliver life-saving and other assistance in the most-affected areas, leaving Afghan returnees from Pakistan particularly vulnerable," the UNAMA stated.

The World Food Programme, it said, has paused its activities in the affected areas, with approximately 160,000 people impacted by the suspension of food distributions. Several Afghan provinces affected by the fighting are experiencing critical levels of acute malnutrition.

Stressing that the hostilities have worsened Afghanistan's already grave humanitarian situation, the UNAMA urged all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of civilians.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The suspension of WFP food aid is a disaster on top of a disaster. 160,000 people impacted, and acute malnutrition was already critical. This conflict is creating a full-blown famine. The international community needs to do more than just issue statements. Humanitarian corridors must be established immediately.
A
Aman W
While the call for dialogue is important, it feels a bit naive. The Taliban government in Afghanistan and Pakistan have deep-seated issues. Restraint is needed, yes, but so is serious diplomatic pressure from powerful nations who have influence in the region. India has always advocated for peace and stability in Afghanistan, and this violence undermines that.
S
Sarah B
The numbers are staggering. 16,400 households displaced. These are people who survived a deadly earthquake just months ago, and now they're being told to move again because of shelling. The world cannot look away. Every country, including mine, should be pushing harder for a peaceful resolution.
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Vikram M
It's the ordinary Afghan citizen who suffers, as always. Caught between the Taliban and the Pakistani military. India has provided humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in the past, and we should continue to do so through UN channels where possible. The focus must remain on saving lives.
K
Karthik V
With respect to the UN Rapporteur, simply "echoing concerns" isn't enough. There needs to be a concrete plan and accountability. Which party is initiating these clashes? The report mentions indirect fire impacting residential areas. This is a clear violation of international law. Naming and shaming might be a start.

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