Kabul [Afghanistan], March 30 (ANI): The international human rights organisation Human Rights Watch has called a Pakistani airstrike on a medical facility in Afghanistan unlawful, saying it could amount to a war crime, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP).
The organisation said the strike on 16 March hit the Omid drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, a facility treating hundreds of patients, and caused significant civilian casualties. It urged Pakistani authorities to conduct a swift, impartial investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
Human Rights Watch said available evidence indicates multiple buildings within the medical complex were struck, including patient housing and shared spaces, and that the majority of those killed or injured were civilians receiving treatment. Casualty figures remain disputed: Afghan officials have claimed over 400 deaths and more than 250 injuries, while United Nations figures report lower confirmed numbers and investigations are ongoing, the TBP report cited.
Pakistan has denied targeting civilians, saying its air operations were aimed at militant infrastructure and ammunition storage sites. Afghan authorities maintain the strike directly hit a civilian medical centre. The incident occurs amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and is considered one of the deadliest episodes in the recent cross-border conflict, with hostilities escalating in late February and both sides engaging in air and ground exchanges.
Pakistan has accused Afghan authorities of sheltering militant groups, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it blames for attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied those claims, saying militancy in Pakistan is an internal matter. The violence has caused large-scale displacement, with the United Nations estimating tens of thousands of civilians affected. International bodies, including UN officials, have called on both countries to show restraint and comply with international humanitarian law, the TBP report noted.
The incident has drawn global concern, with human rights organisations and some governments demanding accountability and stronger measures to protect civilians. Human Rights Watch emphasised that attacks on medical facilities are banned under international law and may be classed as war crimes if civilians are deliberately or indiscriminately targeted. (ANI)
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