The UN calls for a swift, independent investigation into a Kabul clinic strike reportedly killing hundreds, urging accountability and civilian protection.

GENEVA: The United Nations has demanded a swift and independent investigation into a deadly strike on a drug rehabilitation clinic in Kabul.

UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan called for the probe to be prompt, independent, and transparent following the Afghan government’s claim that a Pakistani air strike killed about 400 people.

“The laws of war clearly spell out that any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions,” he told reporters in Geneva.

He insisted the results of any investigation must be made public and that victims’ families are entitled to reparations.

The Taliban government accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilians, a claim Islamabad’s information minister Attaullah Tarar called “entirely baseless”.

Hundreds more were reportedly wounded when the facility, treating addictions to marijuana and amphetamines, was hit and flattened.

AFP reporters saw at least 30 bodies removed on the night of the strike and more than 65 taken away the following day.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan confirmed at least 76 civilian deaths in the country prior to the clinic strike.

It joined UN rights chief Volker Turk in calling for an “immediate ceasefire” between the two neighbours.

Kheetan stressed that international humanitarian law provides specific and increased protections for medical facilities.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the upsurge in hostilities had impacted at least six health facilities in Afghanistan.

“I urge all parties to de-escalate and prioritise peace and health,” Tedros said on social media platform X.

“Peace is the best medicine.”

 The Sun Malaysia