UN Demands Swift, Independent Probe After Afghan Government Claims Hundreds Killed in Kabul Rehab Center Attack

Kabul. The United Nations on Tuesday demanded a swift and independent investigation after the Afghan government stated that hundreds of people were killed in an attack by Pakistan on a rehabilitation center in Kabul.

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thamin Al-Khitane told reporters in Geneva, "The tragic explosion at the Kabul rehabilitation center last night must be investigated immediately, independently, and transparently."

He called for those responsible to be held "accountable in accordance with international standards" and stressed that the results of any investigation "must be made public." He added, "Victims and their families have the right to reparations."

The Afghan government announced on Tuesday that at least four hundred people were killed in an airstrike by Pakistan on a drug rehabilitation center in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul.

It was reported that hundreds were injured when the buildings of the rehabilitation center, used to treat people from across the country addicted to cannabis, 'amphetamine', and other narcotics, collapsed on Monday night.

An immediate independent verification of the death toll could not be made, but AFP journalists reported seeing at least 30 bodies recovered from the scene on Monday night and more than 65 recovered on Tuesday.

Call for Ceasefire

Pakistan has accused the Taliban government of deliberately targeting civilians, a claim Pakistan denies. Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, stated that the claim that his government deliberately targeted the Kabul rehabilitation center was "completely baseless."

The two sides have been in conflict for months. Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring Islamic extremists who have carried out deadly cross-border attacks on its soil.

Following the escalation of conflict at the end of last month, Al-Khitane said, "289 Afghan civilians, including 104 children and 59 women, have been killed in the attacks, and tens of thousands have been displaced." Afghan media reported that most of those reported killed have died.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed on Tuesday that at least 76 civilians have been killed in Afghanistan between February 26 and Monday, prior to the attack on the rehabilitation center.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk also called for an "immediate ceasefire." Al-Khitane stated, "Civilians and non-military objects are strictly protected under international humanitarian law."

"The laws of war clearly require adherence to the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in any attack," he said, adding, "International humanitarian law provides specific and greater protection for medical facilities."

Meanwhile, World Health Organization Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted, "At least six health facilities in Afghanistan have been affected due to the escalating hostilities since the end of February."

He said, "The UN health agency is working to confirm such incidents." Tedros added, "I urge all parties to de-escalate tensions and prioritize peace and health."