Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi accused Pakistan’s military of conducting airstrikes on 16 March in Kabul, killing more than 408 people and injuring over 265.
The strikes reportedly targeted individuals undergoing drug-rehabilitation treatment under Afghan government programmes supported by international humanitarian organisations.
Muttaqi described the attack as comparable to ‘atrocities perpetrated by the Israeli regime against Gaza’, emphasising the deliberate targeting of civilians and humanitarian facilities.
Addressing ambassadors, heads of missions, and representatives of international organisations, Muttaqi condemned the strikes, which occurred in the final days of Ramadan and on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, as a violation of Islamic and humanitarian principles.
He urged states, organisations, religious scholars, media, and public opinion to condemn the attacks and called for global recognition of Pakistan’s disregard for civilian safety.
Muttaqi highlighted previous incidents, including airspace violations on 22 February, when Pakistani forces reportedly bombed seven civilian sites, including a madrasa, killing 15 people. He said Afghan security forces responded with proportionate defensive measures targeting only military positions.
The Acting Foreign Minister stressed that the Islamic Emirate seeks positive regional relations but will continue defensive actions until Pakistan ceases its violations.
Afghanistan has communicated its position to friendly states, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, and China.
Muttaqi also expressed concern over wider regional conflicts, urging restraint in Iran and opposing escalation that could affect neutral countries.
Concluding his address, Muttaqi reaffirmed Afghanistan’s commitment to defend its territory, sovereignty, and dignity, calling on diplomats to relay the nation’s position to their capitals and emphasising that unlawful aggression will not be tolerated.
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