Anger and heartbreak continue to grow after the deadly airstrikes in Kabul and Afghanistan's top cricketers are not staying silent. On Tuesday (March 17), country's biggest names - Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, took to X to strongly condemn Pakistan following the tragic incident.
According to the deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the situation is far worse than initially feared. The d*ath toll from Monday night's bombardment by Pakistan's military has risen to over 400 people, while around 250 others have been injured. The strike reportedly targeted a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, turning what should have been a place of recovery into a scene of devastation.
Rashid Khan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. He made it clear that att@cks on civilians, whether intentional or accidental, cannot be justified under any circumstances. For him, targeting homes, schools or medical facilities crosses a line and must be seen for what it is.
His words reflect the pain felt across the nation, especially as the incident happened during Ramadan, a time meant for peace and reflection. Rashid Khan also warned that such actions would only deepen divisions and create more hatred.
'I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime. The sheer disregard for human lives, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is sickening and deeply concerning. It will only fuel division and hatred. I call upon the UN and other human rights agencies to thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators to account. I stand with my Afghan people in this difficult time. We shall heal, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah !,' Rashid Khan tweeted.
https://x.com/rashidkhan_19/status/2033682054039408703
Mohammad Nabi also condemned the att@cks and stood in solidarity with those affected.
He posted a powerful message along with a video on X:
'Tonight in Kabul, hope was extinguished at a hospital. Young men seeking treatment were murdered in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime. Mothers waited at the gates, calling their sons' names. On the 28th night of Ramadan, their lives were cut short.'
https://x.com/MohammadNabi007/status/2033692256671039813
Azmatullah Omarzai shared that his heart goes out to every family mourning in Kabul, while praying for justice and peace.
He wrote, 'Earlier tonight we heard a powerful explosion here in Kabul. Soon after, flames rose into the sky from a hospital struck in Pakistani airstrikes. In the month of Ramadan, after people had opened their fasts, innocent lives were lost and many others wounded. My heart is with every family mourning tonight. Kabul is grieving. We pray for justice and for peace.'
https://x.com/AzmatOmarzay/status/2033698375049023620
The reactions from these cricket legends underline how deeply the incident has shaken Afghanistan, with grief turning into calls for accountability and justice.