Afghanistan alleges Pakistan airstrike on Kabul; 400 killed: Key developments till now

Afghan firefighters and Taliban security personnel work to extinguish fires after an airstrike hit the Secondary Rehabilitation Services Centre in Kabul on March 16.

• Afghanistan blames Pakistan for deadly Kabul airstrike
• Pakistan denies civilian casualties, says strikes hit militants
• UN reports 75 civilian deaths, 115,000 displaced since February

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Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out a deadly airstrike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, even as Islamabad denies hitting any civilian facility and says it targeted militant infrastructure.

The latest development marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing cross-border conflict.

Here are the key developments so far:

Kabul strike triggers mass casualties, conflicting tolls

Afghan authorities say the strike hit a large drug rehabilitation complex in Kabul around 9 pm on Monday, causing extensive destruction and fires. Casualty figures remain disputed -- Afghan officials claim hundreds killed and injured, with some estimates putting the death toll as high as 400, while initial on-ground counts by news agencies suggested lower numbers.

Rescue operations are still underway, and the final toll is yet to be confirmed.

Pakistan rejects allegations, calls strikes "precise"

Pakistan has firmly denied targeting a hospital or civilians, stating that its military conducted “precision airstrikes” on terrorist infrastructure, including weapons storage sites and technical facilities. Islamabad has dismissed Kabul’s claims as misinformation aimed at shaping public opinion.

Eyewitnesses recount explosions, panic across city

Residents reported a series of loud explosions between 9:00 pm and 9:15 pm, followed by anti-aircraft fire. Witnesses described jets overhead and buildings engulfed in flames, with civilians running for cover shortly after breaking their Ramadan fast.

Taliban condemns "violation" of sovereignty

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has accused Pakistan of “once again” violating Afghan territory, calling the strike a “crime” and an “act of inhumanity”. Afghan officials insist the victims were civilians, many of them patients at the facility.

Part of widening military campaign

Pakistani strikes on Kabul and eastern provinces such as Nangarhar are part of a broader offensive targeting what Islamabad says are militant networks operating from Afghan soil. The campaign reportedly includes strikes on drone workshops, logistics hubs and ammunition depots.

Conflict rooted in cross-border militancy claims

Pakistan has accused the Taliban government of harbouring groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it says carries out attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied the allegations, maintaining it does not allow its territory to be used for cross-border militancy.

Fighting intensifies into "open war" phase

Clashes between the two countries, which escalated in late February, have involved airstrikes, artillery exchanges and drone attacks. Pakistan has described the situation as “open war”, with both sides reporting casualties and military losses.

Diplomatic efforts struggle to contain crisis

China has called for immediate de-escalation and has attempted mediation, but with limited success.

Civilian toll mounts, humanitarian crisis deepens

The United Nations says at least 75 civilians have been killed since late February, while over 115,000 people have been displaced in Afghanistan. The World Food Programme has begun emergency food distribution, warning that escalating violence could push millions towards hunger.