Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Escalate After Deadly Kabul Airstrike

New Delhi,March 17, 2026: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated after a devastating airstrike in Kabul reportedly killed at least 400 people and injured over 250 others, according to Afghan officials.

The strike allegedly targeted a major drug rehabilitation hospital in the Afghan capital late Monday evening, around 9:00 PM local time. Eyewitnesses reported loud explosions followed by panic across the city, with residents rushing for safety shortly after breaking their Ramadan fast.

Afghanistan’s Health Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman confirmed that the facility was completely destroyed. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack, calling it a “crime against humanity” and accusing Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace.

However, Pakistan has strongly denied the allegations. In an official statement, Islamabad described the claims as “false and misleading,” asserting that its military conducted precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure and military installations—not civilian facilities.

The incident marks one of the deadliest escalations in recent years between the two neighbours. The conflict has been intensifying for weeks, with both sides accusing each other of cross-border attacks and support for militant groups.

International concern is mounting. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed deep concern over reports of civilian casualties and urged both sides to exercise restraint and respect international law.

The tragedy has also drawn reactions from public figures. Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan condemned the attack, stating that targeting civilian infrastructure, especially during Ramadan, is “deeply concerning” and unacceptable.

Meanwhile, rescue teams continue efforts to control the blaze and recover bodies from the wreckage, raising fears that the death toll could climb further.

As diplomatic tensions rise and violence continues along the border, global calls for de-escalation are growing louder, with fears that the situation could spiral into a broader regional conflict.

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