Afghan authorities have reported that a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul has killed at least 400 people and injured hundreds more, with the strike allegedly hitting a major medical facility and overwhelming hospitals in the capital.

India has strongly criticised the strike, describing it as “cowardly” and “barbaric” and a violation of Afghan sovereignty, while expressing concern over the high number of civilian casualties. New Delhi also warned that such actions could further destabilise the region.

China, while stopping short of directly condemning Pakistan, has called for restraint and urged both sides to avoid escalation. Beijing emphasised the need for dialogue and stability in the region amid rising tensions.

As of now, there has been no clear public condemnation from several major Western countries, including the United States, which has not issued a direct statement on the reported strike or the scale of casualties.

The situation remains fluid, with rescue operations ongoing and fears that the death toll could rise further as more bodies are recovered from the rubble.

The Taliban-led Afghan government condemned the strike, calling it a violation of sovereignty and describing it as a “crime against humanity.” Pakistan, however, denies targeting civilians, stating that its operations were aimed at militant positions and support infrastructure in the area.

This attack marks a severe escalation in tensions between the two neighbouring countries, where cross-border violence and militant activity have increased in recent weeks. The incident has raised concerns about civilian safety and the broader stability of the region.

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