Pakistani Attacks Disrupt Education of 12,000 Students in Kunar

The 2026 International Day to Protect Education from Attack is being observed as schools and religious schools in Kunar’s Nari and Dangam districts, along with those in other provinces near the hypothetical Durand Line, have come under attack this year.

As a result of Pakistan’s attacks, 12 schools in different parts of Kunar were damaged, affecting the education of nearly 12,000 students.

Faridullah, a Kunar resident, said: “Kunar province also witnessed Pakistan’s recent attacks. During these attacks, Pakistan targeted Kunar University and several schools, leaving many students without access to education. Many families were also displaced from their homes and set up tents along the Kunar River, leaving them facing serious difficulties and challenges.”

Dost Mohammad, a Kunar resident, said: “During its attacks, Pakistan targeted universities, schools and educational institutions, causing significant damage to educational facilities and disrupting the education process. Although families displaced by Pakistan’s attacks have returned to their homes and students have resumed their studies, our question is: Why are schools, universities and educational institutions targeted during attacks and wars? We call on international organizations to hold those responsible for attacks on educational institutions accountable and demand explanations from them.”

Schools were not the only educational facilities damaged in these attacks. On April 28 this year, Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University in Kunar was also targeted and damaged by Pakistani forces.

Residents describe attacks on educational infrastructure during conflicts as war crimes and call on parties to conflicts to ensure the safety of educational facilities and civilians.

Rohullah, a university student in Kunar, said: “This year, when Pakistan’s military regime attacked Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University in Kunar, a rocket directly hit the dormitory building. Students were attending classes, and there was widespread panic. Some students were injured, windows in the buildings were shattered, and everyone screamed in fear and ran out of the university.”

Khater Khan, a university student in Kunar, said: “We call for educational institutions and public facilities not to be targeted during conflicts, because these centers are our only means of accessing education and achieving our aspirations. Pakistan has repeatedly violated this principle and continues such actions.”

According to United Nations figures for 2026, 8,566 attacks on educational infrastructure have been reported worldwide over the past two years, compared with 6,000 attacks in 2022 and 2023.