Kabul: Authorities in Kabul have said that a devastating airstrike allegedly carried out by Pakistan has killed hundreds of people after striking a hospital that treated drug users, dramatically escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
According to Afghan officials, the attack took place late Monday night and caused widespread destruction at the medical facility. Hamdullah Fitrat said the death toll had climbed to around 400, with nearly 250 others injured.
In a message shared on social media, Fitrat stated that large sections of the hospital building were destroyed in the strike and rescue teams were still working to control fires and recover bodies from the debris.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s health authorities had reported more than 200 deaths. Sharafat Zaman said the hospital complex suffered severe damage, leaving much of the facility in ruins. Footage aired by local media showed firefighters battling flames and smoke rising from collapsed structures.
The Afghan administration strongly condemned the alleged strike, describing it as a violation of national sovereignty. Government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said many of the victims were patients undergoing treatment at the centre.
However, Islamabad rejected the allegations. A statement issued by Pakistan’s information authorities said the military had conducted targeted operations aimed only at militant infrastructure and equipment storage facilities. Officials insisted that no civilian sites, including hospitals, were hit during the strikes.
The confrontation comes amid intensifying hostilities between the two countries. Afghan officials reported that clashes along the border had already resulted in casualties, including civilians killed during exchanges of fire in the southeastern province of Khost Province.
The situation has further strained relations between the neighbouring states, who have long traded accusations over militant activity along the frontier.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council recently called on Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to strengthen efforts against terrorism. The council also extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for an additional three months.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of sheltering militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, allegations the Afghan leadership denies.
With cross-border shelling, airstrikes and retaliatory operations continuing, analysts warn that the latest incident could further deepen the crisis between the two neighbours and risk a broader regional escalation.
