Kabul, March 18 (ANI): Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated sharply after Afghan authorities accused Pakistani forces of carrying out a devastating airstrike in Kabul that killed more than 400 civilians and injured hundreds.
According to Afghan officials, the strike occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time, when Pakistani military aircraft and drones targeted a drug rehabilitation centre in the Afghan capital. The facility housed individuals undergoing treatment for narcotics addiction, along with medical staff and support workers.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the victims represented some of the most vulnerable members of society. Preliminary figures indicate that over 408 people were killed and more than 250 injured, with the toll expected to rise.
“Will defend our land with courage”
Addressing ambassadors, diplomats, and international representatives in Kabul, Muttaqi stated that while Afghanistan seeks peace, it will respond decisively if conflict is imposed.
“The entire nation of Afghanistan desires stability and does not favor war. However, if war is imposed, we will defend our land and beliefs with great courage,” he said.
He condemned the attack as a deliberate strike on civilians, accusing Pakistan’s military of ignoring humanitarian and Islamic principles of warfare. He also noted the timing of the attack during the final days of Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr, calling it further evidence of disregard for human and religious values.
Afghanistan says trust in Pakistan “lost”
In a stronger diplomatic rebuke later, Muttaqi declared that Afghanistan no longer trusts Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution.
“We must state clearly that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has lost trust in Pakistan’s intentions regarding diplomatic solutions,” he said.
He added that the strike occurred even as countries such as China were attempting to mediate and reduce tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
According to Muttaqi, repeated cross-border violations and airspace incursions by Pakistan over the past four years have undermined diplomatic efforts. He argued that these actions reflect a broader pattern of aggression and instability in the region.
Pattern of escalating tensions
Afghan authorities claim the latest strike is part of a series of military actions by Pakistan in recent months. Earlier incidents reportedly included bombings of civilian sites, including a madrasa, which killed at least 15 people.
Muttaqi said Afghan forces had responded with “proportionate and reciprocal defensive measures,” targeting only military objectives.
He warned that continued aggression could destabilize not just Afghanistan but the wider region, jeopardizing regional cooperation initiatives and development projects.
Appeal to international community
Calling the attack “inhumane and oppressive,” Muttaqi urged neighboring countries, international organizations, religious leaders, and global public opinion to condemn the strike and prevent further escalation.
“It is the shared responsibility of all countries in the region to act and prevent such tragic intentions,” he said.
Despite the sharp criticism, he emphasized that Afghanistan seeks constructive relations with regional partners, including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and China.
Broader regional concerns
In his remarks, Muttaqi also expressed concern over wider regional tensions, calling for an end to hostilities involving United States, Israel, and Iran.
He urged restraint to prevent further escalation and warned against the expansion of conflict across the region.
Rising fears of instability
The Kabul strike is being described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Afghanistan in recent years. Observers warn that the incident could further strain already fragile relations between Kabul and Islamabad and complicate efforts to stabilize the region following years of conflict.
Afghan officials maintain that the attack lacked any evidence-based justification and described it as an “unjustified war,” asserting that Afghans both inside the country and abroad remain united in response.
602 words, 3 minutes read time.
About The Author
