On March 16, 2026, Pakistani military forces conducted an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital known as “Camp Omid” (Camp Hope) in Kabul city. This attack follows multiple reports of serious civilian harm caused by Pakistani airstrikes in the last few months. Preliminary reports indicate that the attack on the Addiction Treatment Hospital killed and injured hundreds of civilians. The airstrike seems to have caused a massive fire at the facility, resulting in heavy civilian casualties. The exact number of casualties is yet to be determined and some families are still searching for loved ones in hospitals and health facilities. Rawadari is closely investigating the incident and will publish detailed supplementary findings in due course.
This action explicitly violates fundamental rules of international humanitarian law (IHL), including the principles of distinction, military necessity, and precaution. Such an act may constitute a war crime. Under the laws governing armed conflict, conflicting parties must distinguish between military and civilian targets. Additionally, parties must take all possible measures to prevent excessive damage and minimize civilian harm. Medical facilities receive special protection under the Geneva Conventions; intentional attacks on such sites carry serious legal consequences for the perpetrators.
Rawadari strongly condemns this deadly attack and expresses deep concern over Pakistan’s ongoing strikes on civilian targets in Afghanistan. We call on both parties to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure accountability for perpetuators. Rawadari calls for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Rawadari urges the international community, including the United Nations, to take effective measures to protect the lives and dignity of Afghan civilians and prevent further catastrophes. Rawadari also calls on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to use its territorial jurisdiction to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crimes committed in Afghanistan and hold perpetuators accountable.
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