In one of the deadliest airstrikes on Afghanistan, Pakistan allegedly carried out an attack early Tuesday that killed at least 400 people and injured 250 others at a drug users’ rehabilitation hospital in the Afghan capital, Kabul, according to a spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban government.
The reported loss of lives has drawn sharp reactions from Afghanistan cricketers, who criticised the deaths “as a result of Pakistani airstrikes,” particularly during the holy month of Ramzan.
However, Pakistan rejected the claim as false and misleading, stating that its forces had “precisely targeted military installations and terrorist support infrastructure” during operations conducted on Monday night.
Afghan cricketers condemn civilian losses
Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan condemned the civilian casualties, describing the incident as deeply disturbing.
“I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime,” Rashid said in a post on X.
“The sheer disregard for human lives, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is sickening and deeply concerning. It will only fuel division and hatred. I call upon the UN and other human rights agencies to thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators to account. I stand with my Afghan people in this difficult time. We shall heal, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah!,” he added.
I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime. The sheer disregard for human lives,… pic.twitter.com/DbFRRh2qAJ
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) March 16, 2026
Former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi also spoke out, sharing his grief over the civilian deaths
“Tonight in Kabul, hope was extinguished at a hospital. Young men seeking treatment were murdered in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime. Mothers waited at the gates, calling their sons’ names. On the 28th night of Ramadan, their lives were cut short,” he said in a post on X.
Tonight in Kabul, hope was extinguished at a hospital. Young men seeking treatment were murdered in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime. Mothers waited at the gates, calling their sons’ names. On the 28th night of Ramadan, their lives were cut short. pic.twitter.com/p12617D4de
— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) March 16, 2026
Afghanistan T20I captain Ibrahim Zadran also spoke about the incident. “Tonight I heard a massive explosion here in Kabul. Moments later we saw flames rising into the sky from a hospital. Our brothers who intended to fast tomorrow are now gone, or wounded. My thoughts are with every family grieving tonight. Kabul is in pain. We pray for justice,” he said in a post on X.
Taliban spokesperson details the attack
Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman for the Taliban, said the air strike took place at 9 pm (1630 GMT) on Monday and targeted the Omid 2,000-bed drug rehabilitation hospital.
“Large parts of the hospital have been destroyed, and there are fears of heavy casualties,” he said in a post on X. “Sadly, the number of those killed has so far reached 400, with up to 250 others injured.”
Pakistan rejects allegations
The Pakistani Information and Broadcasting Ministry said the Afghan Taliban claim was “misreporting of facts”.
In an overnight post on X, it said that Pakistan targeted military installations and “terrorist support infrastructure” including technical equipment storage and ammunition storage of the Afghan Taliban and Pakistani Taliban militants in Kabul and Nangarhar that were being used against Pakistani civilians.
“Pakistan’s targeting is precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted,” the post said.
“This misreporting of facts as drug rehabilitation facility seeks to stir sentiments, covering illegitimate support to cross-border terrorism.”
Rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Fierce fighting between the South Asian neighbours, who were close allies earlier, erupted last month with Pakistani air strikes in Afghanistan that Islamabad said targeted militant strongholds.
Afghanistan called the strikes a violation of its sovereignty that targeted civilians and launched its own attacks.
Islamabad says Kabul provides a safe haven to militants launching attacks on Pakistan. The Taliban deny the allegation, saying tackling militancy is Pakistan’s internal problem.
The conflict had ebbed amid attempts by friendly countries, including China, to mediate and end the fighting before flaring up again.
