Pakistan launched a cross-border airstrike on a rehabilitation centre in Afghanistan’s Khost province early this morning, killing at least 269 people, according to Afghan officials. The facility, operated by a local charity, was treating individuals with substance abuse disorders. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the building collapsed, burying dozens under rubble. The dead include patients, staff, and caregivers.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health condemned the attack as a blatant violation of sovereignty. “This is an act of aggression against defenceless civilians,” said ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman. “We call on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable.”
Islamabad has not officially commented but defence sources claim the rehab centre was a cover for militant training camps linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. “We have intelligence that the facility was being used to plan attacks against Pakistan,” a senior military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This was a preemptive strike against imminent threats.”
Families of the victims gathered outside the hospital in Khost, demanding answers. “My son went there to get clean. Now he is dead,” said Gulshan Bibi, her voice breaking. “Was this justice?”
The attack threatens to inflame already volatile relations between the two neighbours. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harbouring militant groups, while Kabul accuses Islamabad of destabilising its territory. The United Nations and several Western governments have urged restraint and called for an independent investigation.
Analysts fear this could trigger a broader conflict. “This is a dangerous escalation,” said Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, a security expert. “Both sides need to de-escalate before the situation spirals out of control.”
As night falls, rescue workers continue to search for survivors. The death toll is expected to rise.
