Kabul: A massive escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan has emerged after the Taliban government claimed that over 400 people were killed and more than 250 were injured in an alleged Pakistani airstrike on a hospital in Kabul.
According to Taliban officials, the strike targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a major rehabilitation centre in the Afghan capital Kabul, at around 9:00 PM on Monday.
Hospital Devastated, Casualties Feared to Rise
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said large portions of the 2,000-bed facility were destroyed in the attack.
“The Pakistani military carried out an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital. The death toll has reached 400, with over 250 injured,” he said in a statement.
Officials fear the number of casualties could rise further as rescue operations continue amid the rubble of the destroyed hospital complex.
Pakistan Denies Targeting Civilians
However, the government of Pakistan has strongly denied the allegations, stating that its military operations were aimed only at terrorist hideouts and militant infrastructure, not civilian facilities.
Islamabad maintained that no civilian areas, including hospitals, were deliberately targeted, amid rising international concern.
Taliban Calls It ‘Crime Against Humanity’
Another Taliban representative, Suhail Shaheen, condemned the strike, calling it a “brutal attack and a crime against humanity”.
The Taliban leadership has also warned of retaliatory action, with Mujahid stating that there would be “no more diplomacy” with Pakistan following the incident.
UN Urges Restraint
Reacting to the reports, Richard Bennett expressed concern over civilian casualties and urged both sides to exercise restraint and adhere to international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and medical facilities.
Rising Tensions and Border Conflict
The latest incident comes amid intensifying hostilities along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, driven by longstanding accusations.
Pakistan has repeatedly alleged that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghan territory, carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied these claims and, in turn, accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty.
The strained relationship has worsened since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, despite initial support from Islamabad.
Global Reactions and Concern
The attack has triggered widespread condemnation, with voices from across sectors, including Afghan public figures, calling the strike inhumane and demanding accountability.
With both nations hardening their positions, the situation raises fears of a wider regional conflict, particularly given the strategic and geopolitical sensitivities of the region.
