Over 400 feared dead as Kabul rehab center hit, Islamabad denies civilian targeting

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul , claiming more than 400 people were killed , most of them patients receiving treatment. Afghan officials said the facility was completely destroyed, calling the strike a grave violation of international humanitarian principles that protect medical institutions and civilians .

Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman reported the death toll during a television interview, while government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid condemned the attack as a breach of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He said many of the victims were vulnerable patients unable to flee. Footage aired by local media showed firefighters battling flames in the ruins as rescue teams searched for survivors.

Pakistan strongly rejected the allegations, calling them “false and misleading.” Its Information Ministry stated that the strikes “precisely targeted military installations and terrorist support infrastructure” belonging to Afghan Taliban elements and Pakistan-based militants allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Officials said the operation was conducted carefully to avoid civilian casualties and denied hitting any hospital.

The alleged strike comes amid intensifying cross-border hostilities now entering a third week. Both sides have exchanged mortar fire, drone attacks, and airstrikes, with civilians killed on either side. Islamabad has described the situation as an “open war,” while Kabul insists it is acting in defense of national sovereignty.

Afghanistan’s leadership issued a strong response, with Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi urging citizens to unite against what he described as an imposed conflict and expressing regret over civilian losses.

The United Nations has not independently verified the hospital attack but has urged restraint and emphasized the need to protect civilians. The UN Security Council recently condemned terrorism in Afghanistan and extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), underscoring concerns over escalating violence.

As both governments trade accusations, the crisis marks one of the most dangerous periods in bilateral relations in years.