UN Secretary-General Condemns Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul Drug Rehabilitation Center

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul on March 16, which sources say left more than 600 people killed and wounded.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, stated that Guterres condemns the attack in which a number of civilians were reported killed and wounded in a treatment center. Haq said Guterres has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Guterres emphasized that under international humanitarian law, patients, health workers and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected in all circumstances. He reiterated calls for reducing tensions and the immediate cessation of hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging disputes to be resolved through dialogue and peaceful solutions in line with UN Charter principles.

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve disputes.

The condemnation comes as Afghanistan and Pakistan have announced a temporary halt to hostilities ahead of Eid al-Fitr, which regional officials hope will lead to a lasting ceasefire and protection of civilian lives in both countries.