UN experts call for prompt probe into Pak’s airstrike on Kabul rehab facility

KABUL, March 25: Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, on Wednesday stated that UN experts have called for prompt, independent and transparent investigations into the Pakistani airstrikes on the Kabul rehabilitation centre.
On March 16, Pakistan launched airstrikes on Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul that killed hundreds of civilians and injured several others.
Bennett added that the call also seeks a permanent ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, adherence to international law, safeguarding civilians and ensuring accountability.
“Our statement not only calls on Afghanistan & Pakistan to agree to a permanent ceasefire, it also calls for respect for international law, protection of civilians and accountability, starting with prompt, independent and transparent investigations of Omid Rehab Facility in Kabul,” Bennett posted on X.
UN experts on Tuesday urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to declare a fresh ceasefire and work towards a peace agreement following the eruption of renewed fighting in late February and the collapse of an October 2025 ceasefire.
Since February 26, they said, there have been at least 289 civilian casualties in Afghanistan, including 76 killed and 213 injured, with more than 115,000 people displaced.
According to the experts, the March 16 Pakistani airstrike that hit a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul likely killed and injured hundreds.
“We condemn this attack, express our condolences to the families of the victims, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” they said.
The experts called on the parties to respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects. They called for prompt, independent and transparent investigations of all alleged violations, accountability for perpetrators, and remedies for victims, in line with international standards. (IANS)