New York, March 27 (NationPress) The US-based advocacy organization, Human Rights Watch, criticized the recent Pakistani airstrikes on a rehabilitation center in Kabul, labeling it as “an unlawful assault.” The group expressed concerns that this incident could potentially be classified as a war crime, heightening fears regarding civilian safety and compliance with international law.

On March 16, Pakistan executed airstrikes on the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and injuring numerous others.

The rights organization urged Pakistani officials to undertake an immediate and fair investigation into the event to ensure accountability for those involved.

Patricia Gossman, senior associate Asia director at HRW, stated, “Evidence suggests that the Pakistani airstrike targeted a well-known medical facility in Kabul, resulting in the deaths of many patients, which is unlawful. It is essential for Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to clarify why a drug treatment center filled with civilians was struck and to determine accountability.”

According to a staff member at the facility, over 1,000 patients were present at the Kabul rehabilitation center during the airstrike, although the exact number remains unclear. An official from an international agency noted that many patients were gathered in the dining area to break their Ramadan fast at the time.

The United Nations reported the “total destruction of one block that housed adolescents receiving drug treatment.”

On March 17, Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan’s federal minister of information and broadcasting, announced on X that Pakistan had conducted “precision airstrikes” targeting “technical support infrastructure and ammunition storage facilities,” without mentioning the Omid facility.

HRW asserted that there is no evidence to suggest that the Omid center was used for military purposes, thus classifying the attack as “unlawfully indiscriminate.”

“Regardless, this strike seemingly contravenes the prohibition against disproportionate attacks. Serious breaches of wartime law executed with criminal intent—be it deliberate or reckless—constitute war crimes,” the report emphasized.

According to HRW, Pakistan is obliged under international law to investigate alleged “war crimes by its forces and to hold accountable those responsible for significant abuses.”

With rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, HRW referenced UN data revealing at least 76 civilian fatalities and 213 injuries resulting from Pakistani airstrikes throughout Afghanistan.

“Countries concerned should urge Pakistan to ensure genuine accountability while addressing shortcomings in intelligence, target verification, and decision-making processes to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Gossman added.