Human Rights Watch criticized recent Pakistani airstrikes on a rehabilitation center in Kabul, labeling them as an “unlawful attack” with potential war crime implications. The airstrikes on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital on March 16 resulted in numerous civilian casualties and injuries. The organization urged Pakistani authorities to promptly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
The rights group emphasized the need for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the airstrike that targeted a medical facility in Kabul, causing significant civilian harm. Patricia Gossman, senior associate Asia director at HRW, stressed the importance of determining why a civilian-populated drug treatment center was struck and identifying the individuals accountable for the attack.
According to Human Rights Watch, the airstrikes at the rehabilitation center in Kabul occurred while over 1,000 patients were present, although the exact number remains uncertain. The organization highlighted that many patients were in the dining area for Ramadan iftar at the time of the attack. The United Nations also noted the severe damage to a block housing adolescents undergoing drug treatment.
Pakistan’s federal minister of information and broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, acknowledged carrying out “precision airstrikes” on certain targets but did not specifically mention the Omid facility. Human Rights Watch pointed out that there was no evidence to suggest the Omid center was being used for military purposes, indicating that the attack was indiscriminate and potentially violating international laws.
The rights body underscored that any deliberate or reckless violations of the laws of war could constitute war crimes, emphasizing the importance of investigating and holding accountable those responsible for serious abuses. Amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the UN documented numerous civilian casualties and injuries resulting from Pakistani airstrikes across Afghanistan. Human Rights Watch called on concerned nations to push for genuine accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
