The United Nations has called for an investigation into the attack on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which the Afghan government alleges was carried out by Pakistan, resulting in over 400 deaths and many injuries.
On Tuesday, 17 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the United Nations urged an independent and urgent investigation after the Afghan government claimed that Pakistan launched an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, causing over 400 deaths on Monday night.
“The tragic explosion last night at the drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, reportedly killing many patients, must be swiftly, independently, and transparently investigated,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, speaking to reporters in Geneva.
Al-Kheetan also called for those responsible to be held accountable under international standards, insisting that any investigation results must be made public, and that victims and families of the deceased have the right to compensation.
If confirmed that over 400 people died in this attack, it would be the deadliest assault in the recent escalation of violence between the two neighboring countries that intensified just months ago.
Reports indicate hundreds more were injured at the rehab center struck on Monday night. The explosion destroyed buildings used to treat patients addicted to cannabis, methamphetamine, and other drugs from across the country.
So far, there is no official death toll confirmed by independent agencies, but AFP reporters witnessed at least 30 bodies being removed from the scene on Monday night, with over 65 more evacuated on Tuesday.
The Taliban government of Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian sites, but Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar refuted the claim, stating that the allegation that his government intentionally attacked the Kabul rehab center is “completely unfounded.”
UN spokesperson Al-Kheetan noted that since fighting intensified late last month, “289 Afghan civilians, including 104 children and 59 women, have been killed or injured,” while tens of thousands more have been displaced.
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Source:cnn