Over 400 Killed in Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Afghan Officials Say

More than 400 people have died and hundreds more have been injured after a Pakistani military airstrike hit a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, Afghan officials reported, according to Tolo News.

The attack is being described as one of the deadliest single strikes on civilians in Afghanistan in recent years.

Tolo News reported, citing Afghan authorities, that the strike occurred late at night and caused massive destruction at the facility.

Many of the victims were patients and staff present at the centre at the time of the attack.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said the number of casualties has continued to rise.

"Following last night's bombardment by Pakistan's military regime on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, the number of martyrs has so far risen to 400, while the number of injured has reached 250," Tolo News, citing Fitrat, reported.

How Did the Pakistani Airstrike Impact Hospitals and Emergency Teams in Kabul?

Local officials said emergency teams rushed to the site after the explosion. Hospitals across Kabul received large numbers of wounded people.

Authorities warned that the death toll could increase further as several of the injured remain in critical condition.

The strike has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organisations and global observers.

Richard Bennett, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan, expressed deep concern over the high number of civilian deaths.

Bennett said that he "sympathise[s] with the families of the victims and urge[s] Kabul and Islamabad to reduce tensions and respect international laws, including protecting civilians and public places such as hospitals."

The International Human Rights Foundation condemned the attack, stressing that civilian infrastructure must remain protected during any conflict.

It said that "public places such as hospitals should not be targeted" and called for an independent international investigation to determine responsibility and ensure those responsible "are brought to justice."

How Have Pakistani Airstrikes Affected Afghan Civilians Along the Border?

Afghanistan and Pakistan share a long and sensitive border, and relations have faced repeated strain due to security issues and cross-border operations.

According to Tolo News, Afghan civilians have been targeted by Pakistani forces during previous cross-border strikes, including incidents affecting women and children in border provinces, which led to protests and condemnation inside Afghanistan.

The latest attack has triggered strong reactions within the country. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a sharp warning to Pakistan.

In an interview with Tolo News, Mujahid said that "the time for diplomacy with Pakistan is over and that the attack must be avenged." His remarks have raised concerns among regional observers about the potential for further escalation.

Human rights groups and diplomats are calling on both nations to de-escalate and adhere to international humanitarian standards to prevent further loss of civilian life.

What Did Rashid Khan Say About the Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul Civilians?

Several Afghanistan cricketers have spoken out against the civilian casualties. Rashid Khan took to X to express his outrage, saying he was "deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties in Kabul."

“The sheer disregard for human lives, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is sickening and deeply concerning. It will only fuel division and hatred. I call upon the UN and other human rights agencies to thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators to account,” he added.

“I stand with my Afghan people in this difficult time. We shall heal, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah !", he said.

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi shared a video on X, writing, "Tonight in Kabul, hope was extinguished at a hospital. Young men seeking treatment were murdered in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime. Mothers waited at the gates, calling their sons' names. On the 28th night of Ramadan, their lives were cut short."

Ibrahim Zadran, captain of the T20I side, also condemned the air strike.

"Tonight I heard a massive explosion here in Kabul. Moments later, we saw flames rising into the sky from a hospital," he said.

"Our brothers who intended to fast tomorrow are now gone, or wounded. My thoughts are with every family grieving tonight. Kabul is in pain. We pray for justice," Zadran added.

The incident is likely to strain already fragile ties between Kabul and Islamabad, with regional and international observers warning of the wider implications for stability in Afghanistan, which has endured years of conflict following the 2021 withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.

(With inputs from ANI)