Athens, April 3: The Pakistani government is facing intense criticism over a recent airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan. Numerous political leaders and lawmakers in Pakistan have issued a joint statement labeling these attacks as an “unannounced war,” which has resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Reports indicate that on March 16, Pakistan conducted airstrikes on the 2000-bed ‘Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital’ located in Kabul, leading to hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries.
According to the Greek City Times, the Islamabad government is under severe scrutiny within the country for this “reckless military action.”
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, stated that Pakistan’s attempts to destabilize the Afghan government are “misguided and ineffective.” Meanwhile, Awami National Party leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain warned that such military actions could have dire consequences. He remarked, “A war can be initiated, but its end is not in the hands of the initiator.”
The report also describes Pakistan’s actions as a violation of human rights and international laws, potentially constituting “war crimes.” Political analyst Gul Mohammaduddin Mohammadi condemned the attacks, asserting that the killing of civilians, including women and children, contradicts the principles of the United Nations, human rights, and humanitarian values.
Pakistan claims that the airstrikes targeted terrorist bases and resulted in no collateral damage; however, the ground reality appears to be starkly different and alarming. Reports indicate that schools, homes, and medical facilities were also damaged in the attacks.
Georgette Gannon, an official from the United Nations mission, revealed that the affected center was a well-known rehabilitation facility operated by the Afghan government. She noted that heavy devastation was observed at the site, including the destruction of an entire block where adolescents were receiving treatment.
In the meantime, Human Rights Watch has also condemned these attacks as “illegal,” stating that they could potentially fall under the category of war crimes. Patricia Gossman, the Asia director for Human Rights Watch, called for an impartial investigation, emphasizing the need to clarify why a medical center filled with civilians was targeted and who is responsible for this act.
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