Pakistan strike on rehab centre killed 269 Afghans, families demand answers
A strike by Pakistan on a rehabilitation centre in the border region reportedly killed 269 Afghan nationals. Families interviewed by the BBC demanded an independent investigation, and the diplomatic tension between Islamabad and Kabul has re-escalated.
An air strike conducted by Pakistan in its border province reportedly killed 269 Afghan nationals. Family members reached by the BBC said the targeted building was not a militant base but a rehabilitation centre housing young people in addiction treatment.
The Pakistani military said in a statement that the operation was based on intelligence reports and targeted those allegedly planning cross-border terror activities. The Afghan government recalled its ambassador to Pakistan after the strike and called for an international investigation.
Local residents said identifying the victims has been difficult and that the corridor needed to retrieve bodies has not been opened. Human rights organisations said the underlying intelligence assessments should be reviewed by independent experts. The United States and UN agencies have urged both sides to show restraint.
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