Afghan Government Claims 400 Killed in Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul Hospital Amid Escalating Border Tensions

Kabul. The Afghan government claimed on Monday night that at least 400 people were killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a Kabul hospital. This incident is escalating the border dispute that began at the end of last month, which has seen repeated cross-border clashes and airstrikes. Despite calls from the international community for peace talks and a ceasefire, these appeals appear to have had no effect.

According to Afghan Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, the attack occurred at the hospital at 9 PM, and a large portion of the 2,000-bed facility was destroyed. So far, at least 400 people have been killed, and more than 250 injured. Local media showed scenes of security officials managing the bodies and firefighters extinguishing the blaze.

Pakistan's Response

Pakistan has denied the Afghan allegations, claiming that no attack took place on the hospital. Spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Musharraf Zaidi, stated that the claims were baseless. Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, stated that the airstrikes were only targeted at military structures and ammunition depots in Kabul and Nangarhar provinces. He said, "All attacks were focused only on structures that the Afghan Taliban has been using to support its terrorist groups."

United Nations' Call

The Security Council has called on the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan to take immediate steps to control terrorism. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring the Pakistani Taliban and other groups within its territory, an accusation the Afghan government denies.

Current Conflict

The most intense clashes began at the end of February when Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack in response to Pakistani airstrikes. This broke the ceasefire mediated by Qatar in October. Pakistan has declared an 'open war' with Afghanistan.

Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi said, "It is the duty of all citizens to defend national sovereignty." He expressed sorrow over civilian casualties and stated that the war was imposed upon Afghanistan itself.