KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and international human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation and accountability following reports that Pakistani airstrikes hit a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, resulting in mass casualties.
The Pakistani military carried out airstrikes on multiple locations in Kabul on Monday night, saying the operations targeted Taliban military sites and militant hideouts. Taliban authorities reported that the strikes hit the Omid addiction treatment hospital in eastern Kabul, killing at least 400 people and injuring 250, with most of the victims being patients undergoing treatment.
Rescue teams reported ongoing recovery efforts, and authorities warned the casualty toll could rise.
In a statement, Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the incident must be investigated promptly, independently, and transparently, and those responsible held to account under international law.
“Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian objects are strictly protected,” he said. “The laws of war clearly spell out that any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions.”
UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett expressed distress over reports of civilian casualties and damage to a medical facility. In a post on X, he offered condolences to the victims’ families and urged all parties to de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint, and respect international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and hospitals.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Afghanistan researcher Fereshta Abbasi also expressed concern over the reported mass casualties and urged a prompt investigation, emphasizing that civilian facilities must never be targeted or exposed to disproportionate attacks under international humanitarian law.
The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) condemned the incident, saying that medical and rehabilitation centers must never become targets in any conflict, and demanded an independent international inquiry, accountability for those responsible, and safeguards for such facilities.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the airstrikes as “barbaric” and a “cowardly and unconscionable act of violence,” saying they violated Afghanistan’s sovereignty and threatened regional stability. The ministry urged the international community to ensure Pakistan ceases indiscriminate targeting of civilians.
Afghan political figures also condemned the attacks. Former President Hamid Karzai warned Pakistan that continued strikes would worsen the situation and urged Islamabad to reconsider its policies and engage Afghanistan through diplomacy.
Abdullah Abdullah, former chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation, described the strikes as a “clear violation of international law” and emphasized dialogue as the only path forward. Acting head of Afghanistan’s UN mission, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, called for transparent and independent investigations.
The airstrikes occurred amid escalating tensions between the Taliban and Islamabad in recent months, with both sides exchanging fire and airstrikes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Pakistan says its operations target Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and their support networks operating from Afghan territory.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has documented at least 289 civilian casualties from recent Pakistani airstrikes across several provinces, including 76 deaths. Humanitarian groups and regional powers, including China, Russia, and Turkey, have called for de-escalation, highlighting the need to protect civilians and maintain border stability amid fears of further displacement and worsening humanitarian needs.
