India has condemned Pakistan’s airstrike against a hospital located in Afghanistan, calling it a “barbaric”/”cowardly”/unacceptable act of violence. The target of the airstrike was the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, which provides treatment of drug addiction to over 1000 patients, killing at least an estimated 400 and injuring at least 250 civilians in addition to destroying a vital facility providing much-needed health care for Afghan citizens. This attack represents a complete violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a direct challenge to long-standing efforts at achieving peace and stability in the region.
India’s Strong Response
A spokesman for the Foreign Affairs of India condemned Islamabad’s actions, saying, “This cowardly and immoral act of violence clearly has resulted in substantial civilian deaths and cannot be justified as a target related to a military operation.” It also said that Pakistan is trying to “disguise” a massacre as a legitimate military operation. New Delhi characterised the attack as “a repulsive act of aggression” and called upon the global community to hold Pakistan accountable. In addition to expressing condolences to the families of those who died, India also expressed goodwill toward the injured.
It also emphasised that the strike happened during the holy month of Ramadan, which is a period of introspection and peace, which makes the attack even worse. There is no faith or law or morality that justifies the intentional assault upon a hospital and its patients,” it stated.
Afghanistan Reports Devastation
According to Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson of the Afghan government, around 9 PM local time, the airstrike hit the large hospital. Most of the 2000-bed building has now been damaged or completely destroyed. Many media and local social media posts show emergency crews using flashlights to move victims and firefighter crews trying to put out the fire.
It has also been confirmed by Fitrat that approximately three hours before the strike on the hospital occurred, skirmishes at the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan had occurred, resulting in the deaths of 4 Afghans. This occurred moments after the deadliest attack in years between the two countries, raising tension in the region that had been ongoing.
Pakistan Denies Civilian Casualties
The Pakistani government’s Ministry of Information dismissed the allegations as ‘false and misleading’ with the intention of creating an emotional response. Government officials claimed that their operations have been ‘precisely and carefully executed’ in order to minimise any adverse effect on civilian populations.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of providing safe haven to terrorist organisations who are attacking citizens and members of the Pakistan security forces. This accusation has been denied by the (Afghan) government in Kabul. Islamabad contends that its bombing attacks are legitimate and part of Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism. However, based on civilian deaths, the (Pakistani) government has not demonstrated that they are engaged in (anti-terrorism efforts).
Regional Implications
According to India, the air strike indicates that Islamabad has consistently exhibited “reckless behaviour”. It has a tendency to “externalise internal failures through increasingly urgent/desperate acts of violence beyond their borders.” Experts believe that this attack may cause additional instability in the region while also hurting any potential diplomatic solutions and increasing tensions along the border with Pakistan. Given that Afghanistan is already suffering from internal instability and Pakistan is fighting terrorism, the attack may result in a significantly larger humanitarian crisis.
Call for International Accountability
In a public statement on June 29th, 2018, the Government of India expressed hope that “the international community must ensure that there is an end to the indiscriminate targeting of civilians throughout Afghanistan immediately.” Further to this, the Ministry reiterated India’s longstanding commitment to support the harmonious development of Afghanistan’s national sovereignty and the establishment of a tolerant, peaceful, and just society free from war.
The protection of human life is the highest priority when attempting to foster stability and peace within a region.
Human Cost and Solidarity
Countries around the world are responding to this tragedy; in particular, India has expressed support for all those affected by this attack. Because of this tragedy, there will be exceptionally high international pressure on governments to respond quickly to prevent additional loss of life and to hold the perpetrator accountable.
This tragedy is a dramatic indication of how cross-border conflicts still have very serious humanitarian consequences in South Asia. With India and Afghanistan calling for accountability and Pakistan denying wrongdoing, the potential exists for complicating diplomatic dialogue and resolution.
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