Pakistan's military regime airstrike on Kabul drug rehabilitation center draws international condemnation

On March 17, 2026, Pakistan's military regime launched a devastating airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul's 9th district.

The attack resulted in catastrophic civilian casualties according to Afghan authorities.

Pajhwok Afghan News

The Taliban government reported that approximately 400 people were killed and 250 others injured in the attack.

The targeted facility was a civilian medical rehabilitation center, not a military installation.

Pakistan's military leadership immediately denied responsibility for attacking civilian infrastructure.

Pakistan claimed instead that the strikes were directed at Taliban military facilities.

Regional observers noted this reflects Pakistan's alleged reckless behavior and attempts to conceal domestic failures.

The attack occurred during Ramadan, a period sacred to Muslims, adding to its inflammatory nature.

The airstrike triggered widespread international condemnation across diplomatic, human rights, and governmental channels.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesperson Lin Jian, expressed serious concerns about heavy civilian casualties.

Pajhwok Afghan News

Lin Jian emphasized that dialogue and negotiation are the only effective ways to resolve disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, voiced being 'deeply concerned and saddened' by the reports.

Bennett expressed sympathy with the victims' families and called for maximum restraint.

Former US Special Representative for Afghan Peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, condemned the attack and urged international denunciation.

Khalilzad called for humanitarian assistance to the victims.

He expressed hope that the Islamic Emirate would reconsider its policies toward Pakistan.

Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the attack as a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

They emphasized that civilian medical facilities must never be targeted during conflicts.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed grave concern over the casualties resulting from Pakistan's attack.

HRW called for a prompt investigation into the incident.

The organization stressed that civilian infrastructure should never be targeted.

HRW described the heavy casualties as 'alarming' in their statement.

The organization specifically called on the Taliban authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

UN Special Rapporteur Bennett emphasized the need to respect international law, including protection of civilians.

The attack has intensified regional tensions and drawn condemnation from Afghan civil society leaders.

Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, condemned the attack as a 'terrorist Punjabi establishment' action.

Pajhwok Afghan News

He described it as 'terrorist aerial bombardment' on a hospital during Ramadan.

Pashteen stated that hundreds of innocent civilians undergoing treatment were killed.

He announced that PTM will develop a plan to raise the voice of victims worldwide.

Pashteen criticized Pakistani clerics who have historically issued fatwas for the destruction of Kabul.

The attack has raised concerns about increasing oppression on both sides of the Durand Line.

Pashteen emphasized the need for national consultation and unity to consolidate people's strength.

International calls for accountability and de-escalation have grown louder following the attack.

The international community demands immediate action to prevent further civilian casualties.

Pajhwok Afghan News

There are urgent calls to prevent regional conflict escalation.

The source emphasized that the international community must hold the perpetrators of this criminal act accountable.

International community demands that Pakistan's targeting of civilians in Afghanistan ends immediately.

Former US envoy Khalilzad expressed hope that conscientious Pakistanis will be unhappy with military leadership.

Khalilzad suggested that public opinion within Pakistan may turn against the military's actions.

China has pledged to continue playing a constructive role in reducing tensions between the countries.

China urged both sides to exercise restraint and begin direct talks immediately.

Dialogue is presented as the only viable path forward for resolving the conflict.