International Condemnation as Pakistan Attacks Kabul Addiction Treatment Center

International reactions have poured in following last night’s Pakistani attack on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul’s ninth security district. China, the United Nations, Zalmay Khalilzad, and Manzoor Pashteen have condemned the incident and expressed serious concern over civilian casualties. The attack occurred around 9 p.m. According to Mullah Hamdullah Fetrat, deputy spokesperson of the Taliban administration, the strike resulted in 400 deaths and 250 injuries.

Lian Jian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference that the event has caused widespread worry about heavy civilian casualties. He emphasized that dialogue and negotiation are the only effective ways to resolve tensions between the two sides and urged both countries to exercise restraint, initiate direct talks as soon as possible, and reach a ceasefire. According to him, China is ready to play a constructive role in reducing tensions and improving relations.

Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, also condemned the attack and called on the international community to stand with the victims and provide humanitarian aid. He expressed hope that the Taliban administration would reconsider its policies toward Pakistan and adopt a measured and responsible approach in response to repeated attacks by that country. Khalilzad criticized Pakistan’s military leadership, calling the decision inhumane as it has led to the death and injury of Afghan civilians.

Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, described the attack as “terrorist” on his X (formerly Twitter) page and declared his solidarity with the people of Afghanistan. He announced the movement’s plan to amplify the victims’ voices to the international community and added that the increasing violence on both sides of the border requires national solidarity and consultation to defend the rights of the people.

This incident has once again highlighted concerns about the protection of civilians in the capital, a responsibility directly entrusted to the Taliban administration, from which effective and accountable measures against such attacks are expected.