Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Amnesty Calls Pakistan's Kabul Hospital Attack a War Crime
On March 16, Pakistani military forces bombed a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The hospital, which treated people with drug problems, was badly damaged, and many people were killed or hurt.
The United Nations and a group called Amnesty International say this attack was a war crime because hospitals should be protected.
They want an investigation to find out what happened and punish those responsible.
Pakistan says the hospital was being used to store weapons, but Amnesty says this is not true.
The attack happened after a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan ended.
Recently, more civilians have been killed in attacks by both countries.
Pakistani air strikes hit Kabul's Omid addiction treatment hospital on March 16, causing significant destruction and civilian casualties.
Amnesty International and the UN verified at least 269 deaths and 122 injuries, with the Taliban reporting around 400 deaths.
Amnesty's investigation rejected Pakistan's claim that the site was used for storing weapons, confirming it was a healthcare facility.
The attack is considered a violation of international humanitarian law, with calls for an impartial investigation and accountability.
The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan ended in February 2026, leading to renewed hostilities and civilian casualties.
- Who
- Pakistani military forces under General Asim Munir
- What
- Air strikes on Kabul's Omid addiction treatment hospital
- When
- March 16, around 9 pm local time
- Where
- Kabul, Afghanistan
- Why
- Pakistan claims the site was used for storing weapons and ammunition; Amnesty and the UN allege it was a deliberate attack on a healthcare facility.
Amnesty International
Pakistan
Nature of the Attack
Amnesty International
The attack on the Kabul hospital was a deliberate violation of international humanitarian law, targeting a protected healthcare facility.
Pakistan
Pakistan claims the site was used for storing weapons and ammunition, justifying the attack.
Casualty Figures
Amnesty International
Amnesty and the UN verified at least 269 civilian deaths and 122 injuries, with the Taliban reporting around 400 deaths.
Pakistan
Pakistan has not provided an official casualty count but denies targeting civilians.
Investigation and Accountability
Amnesty International
Amnesty and the UN demand an impartial investigation and punishment for those responsible.
Pakistan
Pakistan has not agreed to an independent investigation and maintains its actions were justified.
- Date of Attack
- March 16
- Location
- Kabul, Afghanistan
- Casualties Verified by UN
- 269 killed, 122 wounded
- Hospital Capacity
- 2,000-bed treatment center
- Amnesty's Findings
- Attack violated international humanitarian law
- Ceasefire Period
- October 2025 to February 2026
- Recent Civilian Casualties (June 2026)
- 36 civilians killed in eastern Afghanistan
- UN Documented Casualties (First 3 Months of 2026)
- 372 killed, 397 injured
