Full Breakdown
Amnesty International Calls for Probe into Pakistani Airstrikes that Hit Kabul Rehab Center
7/23/2026, 12:26:13 AM
The Airstrikes and Amnesty’s Request
On March 16, Pakistani airstrikes struck a site in Kabul that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said was a drug-rehabilitation centre. UNAMA reported that the attacks killed at least 269 civilians and injured 122 others. In late July 2026, Amnesty International announced that it would seek an independent investigation, describing the strikes as a “possible war crime” and alleging violations of the special protection afforded to health facilities under international humanitarian law.
Background and Context
The strikes occurred amid a surge of cross-border fighting between Pakistani forces and the Taliban-run Afghan government. Pakistan has repeatedly said its operations in Afghanistan target “military and terrorist infrastructure” in response to militant attacks inside Pakistan, which it blames on groups based in Kabul. The Taliban government, meanwhile, has denied providing support to Pakistani militants and has accused Islamabad of targeting civilian sites.
Official Statements & Responses
UNAMA’s casualty figures form the factual basis for Amnesty’s call for accountability. The Taliban-run government echoed UNAMA’s assessment, accusing Pakistan of striking the rehabilitation centre. Pakistan’s foreign ministry did not comment at the time. The following day, Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan’s Information Minister, rejected the accusations as false, stating that no hospital, drug-rehabilitation centre, or civilian facility was targeted. Amnesty International concluded that its analysis of more than 60 photographs, videos, satellite imagery and interviews found no evidence supporting Pakistan’s claim of a legitimate military target.
Data and Humanitarian Impact
The casualty count of 269 dead and 122 injured comes from UNAMA’s on-the-ground reporting. Amnesty’s investigation relied on a multi-source review that included visual documentation and testimonies from current and former employees of the centre. The organization highlighted breaches of the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality required to protect civilians under international humanitarian law.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No hospital, no drug rehabilitation centre, and no civilian facility was targeted,” — Attaullah Tarar, pakistani information minister
