India Slams Alleged Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul Hospital as ‘Massacre’, Warns of Threat to Regional Stability
A fresh wave of tensions has gripped the region after Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration claimed that hundreds of civilians were killed in an alleged Pakistani aerial bombardment on a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul, prompting a strong and unequivocal condemnation from India.
According to a spokesperson of the Afghan authorities, the strike reportedly targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Centre in the Afghan capital on the night of March 16, leaving at least 400 people dead and over 250 injured.
The victims were said to include patients undergoing treatment and staff present at the medical facility.
Pakistan, however, has categorically dismissed these allegations, describing them as “baseless and misleading.” Islamabad maintained that its military carried out precision strikes aimed solely at militant hideouts and infrastructure supporting terrorist activities, denying any involvement in civilian casualties or attacks on medical establishments.
India’s Strong Reaction
Reacting sharply to the developments, India issued a stern statement condemning the alleged airstrike in the strongest possible terms.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the incident a “barbaric and indefensible act,” accusing Pakistan of attempting to justify what he described as a mass killing of innocent civilians.
He stated that targeting a healthcare facility, which serves vulnerable individuals seeking recovery, cannot under any circumstances be portrayed as a legitimate military operation.
“This is a brutal and shameful act of violence against civilians, being falsely presented as a strategic strike,” he said.
Violation of Sovereignty and Escalation Risks
India further asserted that such an कार्रवाई represents a serious breach of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and undermines the principles of sovereignty.
The statement warned that such actions could destabilize an already fragile region and heighten tensions across South Asia.
Jaiswal also accused Pakistan of engaging in a recurring pattern of aggressive conduct, suggesting that such cross-border actions reflect attempts to divert attention from domestic challenges by escalating external conflicts.
Timing During Ramzan Draws Criticism
The timing of the alleged attack—during the holy month of Ramzan—drew additional criticism from India.
The government noted that Ramzan symbolizes compassion, restraint, and spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide, making the reported strike even more disturbing.
“There is no religious teaching, legal framework, or ethical standard that can justify an assault on a hospital filled with patients,” the statement emphasized.
Call for Global Accountability
India urged the international community to take serious note of the incident and ensure accountability for those responsible. It called for immediate measures to prevent further targeting of civilians and to uphold international humanitarian norms.
New Delhi also extended condolences to the families of those killed and expressed solidarity with the people of Afghanistan during what it described as a deeply tragic episode.
India reiterated its commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
Conflicting Claims and Rising Tensions
Meanwhile, Afghan authorities have condemned the strikes as a direct attack on civilians and have reportedly initiated retaliatory actions.
On the other hand, Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harbouring militant groups that carry out cross-border attacks, a charge firmly denied by the Taliban leadership, which insists that militancy within Pakistan is an internal issue.
UN Voices Concern
Adding to the growing international concern, Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed alarm over reports of civilian casualties resulting from the alleged airstrikes.
He described himself as “deeply troubled” by the situation and underscored the need to protect civilian lives in conflict zones.
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