Geneva, March 17 (NationPress) Amid the escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has once again emphasized the urgent need to halt hostilities and implement robust measures to safeguard civilians, adhering to international human rights obligations.

Calling for a thorough investigation into the devastating explosion at a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul that has reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of patients, the UN High Commissioner stressed the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to those in dire need.

"The tragic explosion at the drug rehabilitation center in Kabul last night, which has reportedly left a significant number of patients deceased, requires an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation. Those accountable must face justice according to international standards, and the findings must be made public. Victims and their families deserve reparations," stated the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday.

This statement follows reports from Afghan officials indicating that over 400 individuals have lost their lives and 250 others sustained injuries from the Pakistani airstrike targeting the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul's Pul-e-Charkhi area on Monday night.

Witnesses described the scene as one of utter devastation, with hundreds of individuals searching for their loved ones.

"Civilians and civilian structures are afforded strict protection under international humanitarian law. The laws of warfare clearly stipulate that any attack must adhere to the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions. Medical facilities are granted specific and enhanced protections under international humanitarian law," the UN High Commissioner's office asserted.

Prior to this latest assault by Pakistani forces, hundreds of Afghan civilians, including women and children, had reportedly been killed or injured amid rising hostilities between the two nations last month. Additionally, tens of thousands have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.

On Tuesday, the spokesperson for Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior, Abdul Matin Qane, warned that the nation would deliver a "teeth-breaking response" to the deadly airstrikes executed by Pakistan in Kabul.

Qane mentioned that recovery operations were underway, with emergency teams searching for bodies beneath the rubble, as reported by Afghanistan-based Ariana News.

He emphasized that Afghanistan views Pakistan's recent strike as a significant escalation and cautioned of a proportional response.

"Such attacks cannot go unanswered," Qane reiterated, asserting that authorities in Kabul consider the incident a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty, according to Ariana News.