Pakistan has firmly rejected Amnesty International's call for an investigation into a March airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which the human rights group stated could constitute a war crime. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry described the allegations as unsubstantiated and maintained that the operation was a lawful act of self-defense.
Tahir Andrabi, spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, stated at a news briefing that the organization "completely rejects the allegations" and found it "unfortunate" that such serious claims were made "without any credible evidence." This response comes after Amnesty International reported finding no evidence to support Pakistan's assertion that the Omid drug rehabilitation center was being used for military purposes or weapons storage at the time of the March 16 strike.
Afghanistan has reported that approximately 400 civilians were killed in the strike, a figure disputed by Pakistani officials who maintain the target was a legitimate military site. Amnesty International's findings are based on the analysis of over 60 photos and videos, including footage released by the Pakistani military, more than 30 satellite images, and interviews with witnesses and other sources. The group stated it had not received a response from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry regarding an investigation or evidence supporting the justification for the strike.
The airstrike occurred amidst a period of heightened cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban government of providing refuge to militants, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who are alleged to be responsible for attacks within Pakistan. The TTP is a distinct group but maintains close ties with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers, a claim Kabul has denied.
The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported in May that it had independently verified at least 269 civilian deaths and 122 injuries resulting from the strike, cautioning that the actual casualty count could be higher. Afghan authorities subsequently held mass funerals for the victims.
In response to Amnesty's report, Andrabi reiterated Pakistan's accusations that Afghan Taliban authorities permit militant groups, including the TTP and the banned Baloch Liberation Army, to operate from Afghan territory. He stated that thousands of Pakistanis have been killed or injured in attacks planned from Afghanistan.
"Any military strikes by Pakistan were undertaken in the exercise of its right to self-defense under the principles of necessity and as a measure of last resort and were directed only and exclusively against terrorists and their logistical support bases in Afghanistan," Andrabi said, emphasizing that Pakistan rejected Amnesty's conclusions. He also urged the international community to hold Afghanistan's Taliban authorities accountable for preventing Afghan territory from being used to launch attacks against Pakistan, asserting that Islamabad reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.