New Delhi [India], March 17 (ANI): Former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha on Tuesday described Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Afghanistan as a “major escalation,” calling the reported bombing of a Kabul hospital a “war crime.”
Speaking to ANI, Sinha said the attack on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, which reportedly killed hundreds of civilians undergoing treatment, cannot be justified on military grounds. “This is a major escalation by Pakistan. Hitting a hospital and causing the death of hundreds of civilians under treatment is a war crime,” he said.
He noted that while skirmishes along the Durand Line, the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, are frequent, Pakistan’s use of air power — which began in October last year — marks a significant change in the conflict’s dynamics. Sinha said the strikes reflect both “frustration and arrogance” in Pakistan’s dealings with the Taliban-led Afghan government, suggesting Islamabad may be exploiting the current geopolitical environment to settle scores with impunity given Afghanistan’s lack of air capability.
The former envoy warned the escalation could further destabilise the region, especially amid already high tensions in West Asia. “There is no doubt this is destabilising for the region and only adds to the complexity created by attacks on Iran,” he added.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also strongly condemned the strike, calling it a “cowardly and unconscionable act of violence.” In a statement, the MEA said India “unequivocally condemns Pakistan’s barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on the night of March 16,” adding the attack killed many civilians in a facility that “can by no means be justified as a military target” and accusing Pakistan of attempting to “dress up a massacre as a military operation.” India urged the international community to hold those responsible to account, reiterated support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and extended condolences to victims and their families.
Afghan officials have said more than 400 people died and hundreds were injured after the strike, which Tolo News reported caused massive destruction at the rehabilitation centre late at night. Many victims were patients and staff present during the bombardment. Citing the deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, Hamdullah Fitrat, TOLO News reported the death toll had risen to 400, with 250 injured.
The incident is expected to further strain already fragile Kabul-Islamabad relations. Regional and international observers have warned of broader implications for stability in Afghanistan, which has faced continued conflict since the 2021 withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.
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