Afghanistan condemns deadly Kabul airstrike, warns of continued self-defence

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly condemned a Pakistani airstrike on Kabul, saying it killed more than 408 people and wounded over 260, most of them patients at a drug rehabilitation centre.

Speaking to diplomats and representatives from various organizations in Kabul, Muttaqi said the late-night strike targeted one of the most vulnerable groups in society—people undergoing treatment for drug addiction with support from humanitarian organisations.

He described the attack as a serious violation of humanitarian and Islamic principles, accusing Pakistan of deliberately hitting civilian facilities.

He said the strike came despite ongoing mediation efforts by regional countries, including China, and followed earlier goodwill gestures by

Afghanistan, such as the release of Pakistani detainees during Ramadan.

According to Muttaqi, repeated attacks since February—including strikes on civilian areas in multiple provinces—have eroded trust in diplomatic solutions.

Muttaqi warned that Afghan forces would continue “proportionate and legitimate” defensive responses if attacks persist, stressing that Afghanistan does not seek conflict but will defend its sovereignty and territory.

He also urged the international community, particularly regional and Muslim countries, to condemn the strike, warning that continued escalation by Pakistan risks destabilising the wider region and undermining major economic and development initiatives.