By Ayushi Agarwal

New Delhi [India], March 17 (ANI): Former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha on Tuesday termed Pakistan's recent airstrikes in Afghanistan a 'major escalation,' calling the reported bombing of a hospital in Kabul a 'war crime'.

Speaking to ANI, Sinha said the strike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, which reportedly led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians undergoing treatment, cannot be justified under any military pretext.

'This is a major escalation by Pakistan. Hitting a hospital and causing the death of hundreds of civilians under treatment is a war crime,' Sinha said.

He noted that tensions along the Durand Line, the international border separating Pakistan and Afghanistan, have historically seen frequent skirmishes and exchanges of fire, but the use of air power by Pakistan marks a significant shift in the conflict dynamics.

'Skirmishes across the Durand Line happen all the time, but the use of the air force since October last year represents a major escalation,' the diplomat said.

According to Sinha, Pakistan's actions reflect both 'frustration and arrogance' in its current relationship with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.

'It represents Pakistan's frustration at its loss of relevance with the Taliban government and also its arrogance. Perhaps it is using the current geopolitical situation to settle scores with impunity as Afghanistan lacks air power,' he said.

The former envoy warned that the escalation could further destabilise the region, particularly at a time when tensions in West Asia are already high.

'There is no doubt this is destabilising for the region and only adds to the complexity created by attacks on Iran,' Sinha added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrike, describing it as a 'cowardly and unconscionable act of violence.' In a statement issued today the MEA said India 'unequivocally condemns Pakistan's barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on the night of March 16.'

The ministry said the attack had claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility that 'can by no means be justified as a military target,' adding that Pakistan was attempting to 'dress up a massacre as a military operation.'

India called on the international community to hold those responsible accountable and reiterated its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while extending condolences to the victims and their families.

More than 400 people have died while hundreds more have suffered injuries after a Pakistani military airstrike hit a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, Afghan officials said, according to a report by Tolo News.

The attack has become one of the deadliest single strikes on civilians in Afghanistan in recent years. TOLO news reported, citing Afghan authorities, that the strike took place late at night and caused massive destruction at the rehabilitation facility.

Many of the victims were patients and staff who were present at the centre at the time of the attack.

According to the deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Hamdullah Fitrat, the number of casualties has continued to rise since the incident.

'Following last night's bombardment by Pakistan's military regime on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, the number of martyrs has so far risen to 400, while the number of injured has reached 250,' TOLO News, citing Fitrat, reported.

The incident is likely to strain already fragile ties between Kabul and Islamabad. Regional and international observers have warned of the wider implications of such attacks on efforts to maintain stability in Afghanistan, which has seen years of conflict following the 2021 withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. (ANI)