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UN Rapporteur Alarmed as Pakistan Airstrike Kills 400 in Kabul Clinic

The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has expressed deep concern over reported Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul that struck a drug rehabilitation center. Afghan authorities report the attack has killed over 400 people, primarily patients and staff, marking one of the deadliest single strikes on civilians in recent years. The Taliban has issued a sharp warning, stating the time for diplomacy is over and vowing revenge. International human rights organizations have condemned the attack and called for an independent investigation.

Key Points: Pakistan Airstrike in Afghanistan Kills 400, UN Urges De-escalation

  • Over 400 killed in airstrike
  • Attack hit a drug rehabilitation center
  • UN urges de-escalation and restraint
  • Taliban vows retaliation
  • Calls for international investigation
3 min read

UN Special Rapporteur expresses concerns over Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan; urges de-escalation

UN's Richard Bennett expresses deep concern over Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul that hit a drug rehab center, killing over 400 civilians.

"Dismayed by fresh reports of #Pakistan airstrikes in #Afghanistan and resulting civilian casualties. - Richard Bennett"

Geneva, March 17

UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has expressed deep concern over the reports of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, which have resulted in over 400 casualties. He called the parties to de-escalate and exercise restraint.

The UN Special Rapporteur underlined the need to protect civilians and civilian infra such as hospitals. In a post on X he said, "Dismayed by fresh reports of #Pakistan airstrikes in #Afghanistan and resulting civilian casualties. My condolences. I urge parties to de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint & respect international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects such as hospitals".

More than 400 people have died and hundreds more have suffered injuries after a Pakistani military airstrike hit a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, Afghan officials said, according to a report by Tolo News.

The attack has become one of the deadliest single strikes on civilians in Afghanistan in recent years.

TOLO news reported, citing Afghan authorities, that the strike took place late at night and caused massive destruction at the rehabilitation facility. Many of the victims were patients and staff who were present at the centre at the time of the attack.

According to the deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Hamdullah Fitrat, the number of casualties has continued to rise since the incident.

"Following last night's bombardment by Pakistan's military regime on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, the number of martyrs has so far risen to 400, while the number of injured has reached 250," TOLO News, citing Fitrat, reported.

Local officials said emergency teams rushed to the site after the explosion. Hospitals across Kabul received a large number of wounded people. Authorities fear the death toll could increase further as several of the injured remain in critical condition.

The International Human Rights Foundation also condemned the attack. The organisation stressed that civilian infrastructure must remain protected during any conflict.

It said that "public places such as hospitals should not be targeted". The organisation also called for an independent international investigation into the strike to determine responsibility and to ensure that those responsible "are brought to justice".

Afghanistan and Pakistan share a long and sensitive border. Relations between the two neighbours have faced repeated strain due to security issues and cross-border operations.

According to TOLOnews, Afghan civilians have been primarily targeted by Pakistani forces during previous cross-border strikes as well. Some earlier incidents involved women and children in border provinces, which led to protests and condemnation inside Afghanistan.

The latest attack has triggered strong reactions within the country. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a sharp warning to Pakistan after the strike.

In an interview with TOLOnews, Mujahid said that "the time for diplomacy with Pakistan is over and that the attack must be avenged".

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the loss of civilian life is tragic, the situation is complex. The Pak-Afghan border has been a source of tension for decades, with militant groups operating from both sides. Airstrikes are rarely the answer, but the root causes—terror safe havens and lack of border control—need to be addressed by both governments to prevent such tragedies.
P
Priyanka N
The Taliban spokesman's call for "revenge" is deeply concerning. This cycle of violence helps no one, especially ordinary Afghans who have suffered for generations. The UN rapporteur is right—de-escalation is the only way. Both Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban need to show restraint and come to the dialogue table. Jahan insaan ki jaan jaati hai, wahan sab khatam ho jaata hai.
R
Rahul R
As an Indian, I've seen Pakistan's pattern of sponsoring cross-border terrorism. Now they are exporting their violence to Afghanistan. This attack on a hospital shows a complete disregard for international law. The world cannot stay silent. Strong, actionable sanctions are needed against the Pakistani military establishment.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I think we must be careful. The report is based on statements from Taliban officials and TOLO News. While the loss of life is tragic, we must wait for independent verification from bodies like the UN or ICRC before drawing final conclusions. The fog of war is real. The call for an independent probe is the most important takeaway here.
K
Kavya N
This is so sad. Patients and staff in a rehab center... they were trying to get better. Where is the humanity? Pakistan always lectures

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