Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq strongly criticised Pakistan’s leadership after an airstrike reportedly struck a hospital in Kabul, leaving hundreds dead and injured. Afghan officials initially claimed that around 400 people were killed when a drug rehabilitation centre in the capital was hit. The attack reportedly occurred around 9 PM local time, with loud explosions sending residents—many of whom were outside after breaking their Ramadan fast—running for safety.
Afghanistan’s Health Ministry stated that the hospital was completely destroyed. Condemning the strike, Naveen compared the situation to the ongoing Israel–Hamas war, saying there was no difference between the actions of Pakistan and Israel, suggesting that civilians were being targeted.
In a Facebook post, Naveen wrote, “Hard to find any difference between Israel and Pakistani regime period.”
He is not alone in his criticism. Fellow Afghan cricketers Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi also condemned Pakistan, accusing it of committing “war crimes” and spreading hatred. All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai expressed grief over the incident, describing scenes of flames rising from the hospital and mourning the loss of innocent lives during the holy month of Ramadan. He extended condolences to the affected families and called for justice and peace.
Pakistan denies allegations
Pakistan has rejected Afghanistan’s claims of targeting a hospital. According to reports, the Information Ministry described the accusations as “false and misleading,” stating that only militant locations were targeted.
The incident follows rising tensions between the two countries. Afghanistan had earlier accused Pakistan of carrying out another airstrike that killed four people, while also claiming it retaliated by striking a military base in Pakistan—an allegation denied by Islamabad, which said it intercepted drones allegedly sent by militants.
Tensions escalated further in February when Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reportedly declared an “open war” stance against the Taliban-led Afghan government.
