March 17: The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, called on Wednesday for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into Pakistan's airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul. He demanded that compensation be paid to the victims and their families.
His statement came after a Pakistani strike on Monday night targeted the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul's Pul-e-Charkhi area, killing hundreds and injuring several others.
"I echo the call for a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the Pakistan air strike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, reportedly resulting in the deaths and injuries of many, with those responsible held accountable and reparations made to victims and families," Richard Bennett posted on X.
He made the statement in response to a post on X by the UN Human Rights office, which called for an investigation and accountability for the blast at the drug rehabilitation center in Kabul.
In a post on X, the UN Human Rights office stated, "We call for investigations and accountability for last night's tragic blast at a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which left many patients dead. All parties must take effective measures to ensure the protection of civilians."
On Tuesday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi condemned the Pakistani airstrike on Kabul, calling it a serious violation of humanitarian and Islamic principles. He said that more than 408 people were killed and over 260 others were injured in the Pakistani strike, with the majority being patients at a drug rehabilitation center, according to Ariana News, an Afghan-based news outlet. He accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian facilities.
Speaking to diplomats and representatives from various organizations in Kabul, Muttaqi said that the Pakistani airstrike targeted one of the most vulnerable groups in society—people who were receiving treatment for drug addiction.
He said that repeated attacks since February, including strikes on civilian areas in various parts of Afghanistan, have diminished trust in diplomatic solutions. He warned that Afghan forces will continue "proportionate and legitimate" defensive responses if attacks continue, emphasizing that Afghanistan does not want war but will protect its sovereignty and territory, Ariana News reported.
Muttaqi urged the international community to condemn Pakistan's strike, warning that continued escalation by Islamabad risks destabilizing the wider region and impacting major economic and development initiatives.