UNIPA News(Kabul)-17 March 2026: A senior spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban administration on Tuesday (March 17) claimed that at least 400 people were killed and around 250 others injured following an alleged Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul.
According to deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, the strike occurred সোমবার রাত প্রায় ৯টার দিকে and hit the “Omid” drug treatment facility, described as a 2,000-bed rehabilitation centre. He stated that significant portions of the hospital were destroyed, raising concerns over a high number of casualties. Emergency response teams were deployed to the site to contain fires and recover victims.
However, Pakistani authorities strongly rejected the allegation, terming it “false and misleading.” In a statement, the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the operation targeted “military installations and terrorist support infrastructure,” including equipment and ammunition storage sites allegedly used by militant groups.
Islamabad further asserted that its strikes were conducted with precision to avoid civilian harm, dismissing claims that a medical facility was targeted as an attempt to misrepresent facts.
Independent verification of the reported casualty figures was not immediately possible, and there was no direct response from Pakistan’s military at the time of reporting.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the দুই প্রতিবেশী দেশ, following a series of cross-border strikes in recent weeks. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghan authorities of allowing militant groups to operate from its territory—an allegation Kabul denies.
While both sides have reported significant damage inflicted on each other, these claims remain unverified by independent sources.
Efforts by regional actors, including China, to ease tensions had recently led to a temporary lull in hostilities. However, the latest developments indicate a renewed escalation.
Meanwhile, Richard Bennett, a representative of the United Nations, expressed concern over reports of civilian casualties. He urged all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and adhere to international law, particularly in ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals.
