The European Union (EU) has condemned a Pakistani airstrike on a medical facility in Kabul, describing it as a deadly escalation in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The EU urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take all feasible measures to protect civilians, warning that attacks on civilian and medical facilities violate international humanitarian law.

The statement comes after a Pakistani strike on Monday night targeted the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul’s Pul-e-Charkhi area, killing hundreds and injuring several others.

“Civilian and medical facilities must never be targeted, as they are protected under International Humanitarian Law, including the Geneva Conventions. All parties engaged in military operations have the obligation to respect these provisions under all circumstances,” the EU said.

The EU joined the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Tuesday claimed that the attack carried out by Pakistani forces at Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital killed more than 408 patients undergoing drug rehabilitation and injured over 265.

Addressing ambassadors, heads of missions, and representatives of international organisations in Kabul, Muttaqi said the strikes occurred around 9 p.m. on March 16 and were conducted by “military aircraft and drones of the Pakistani military regime,” deliberately targeting one of the most vulnerable groups in Afghan society.

He added that the victims were drug-addicted individuals receiving treatment through Afghan government programmes supported by international humanitarian organisations, and warned that the numbers could rise further.

Muttaqi accused Pakistan’s military of showing no regard for Islamic or humanitarian principles of warfare, deliberately striking civilian and humanitarian facilities, and highlighted that the assault came during the final days of Ramadan and on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

He said Afghan security forces had responded with proportionate and defensive measures, targeting only military sites from which attacks were launched, and reiterated that such actions would continue until Pakistan ceased its “violations and crimes.”

Mumbai: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has once again intensified his stance on the long-pending quota demand, warning that the community is prepared to march to Mumbai if the state government fails to honour its assurances.

Speaking in Jalna, Jarange said the Maratha community would not hesitate to launch another large-scale agitation, cautioning that any rollback on promises could trigger serious repercussions.

He questioned the intent of the government, stating that the issuance of a Government Resolution (GR) linked to the Hyderabad Gazette indicated a clear commitment towards granting a reservation. “If there was no intention to provide a reservation, such steps would not have been taken,” he remarked.

Jarange’s warning comes months after his massive agitation in Mumbai in August 2025, when he launched an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan. The protest drew lakhs of supporters from across Maharashtra, severely disrupting traffic and daily life in South Mumbai. Commuters faced significant inconvenience as key areas witnessed heavy crowding and restricted movement.

At the time, Jarange had taken a firm position, declaring he would continue fasting until the Maratha community was granted a reservation. His primary demand has been the recognition of Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian group classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, thereby making them eligible for reservation benefits in education and government employment.

However, the protest also drew sharp criticism from the judiciary. The Bombay High Court had pulled up Jarange and his supporters for allegedly violating conditions imposed for the demonstration. The court observed that the agitation had extended beyond Azad Maidan, leading to gatherings at key public locations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, and Marine Drive, effectively bringing parts of the city to a standstill.

Following negotiations, the agitation was called off in early September after the state government accepted several key demands. A cabinet sub-committee agreed to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas based on historical records, with a formal GR promising to ensure implementation.

Despite this, Jarange’s latest remarks indicate that tensions remain unresolved, with the possibility of renewed protests looming if the assurances fail to translate into action.

Navi Mumbai: Three persons were killed and three to four others sustained injuries after an uncontrolled container truck allegedly rammed into multiple vehicles on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway on Wednesday morning. The container later overturned onto an Innova car, crushing it and killing all three occupants on the spot.

About The Accident

The accident occurred around 9:40 am on the Mumbai-bound lane. According to preliminary information, the speeding container lost control, collided with several vehicles, and then toppled to its left side, falling directly onto the Innova. In total, five vehicles were involved in the accident.

Additional SP Highway Tanaji Chikhale said, “The container appears to have lost control before hitting multiple vehicles. Rescue operations were immediately initiated, and traffic was regulated. The injured have been shifted for treatment, and further investigation is underway.”

Rescue and relief operations were carried out by teams from IRB patrolling, Devdoot system, Borghat Highway Traffic Police, Khopoli Police Station, Delta Force, Maharashtra Security Force, Mrutyunjay Devdoot and Help Foundation. An ambulance from Lokmanya Hospital was also deployed at the site.

Cranes were used to remove the damaged vehicles and clear the highway, restoring traffic flow on the busy stretch. Further investigation into the exact cause of the accident is underway.