Taliban Dispute claims of Internet Ban as Afghanistan Faces Widespread Outage
Kabul, Afghanistan – The taliban government is denying reports of an internet ban in Afghanistan, attributing widespread disruptions to ”decaying fiber optic infrastructure” currently undergoing replacement. The outage,beginning Monday,has crippled banking,commerce,and air travel across the country,raising concerns for citizens and humanitarian organizations.
Several provinces confirmed an internet shutdown last month following a decree from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada aimed at combating immorality. However, in a brief statement shared with Pakistani journalists via WhatsApp and posted on X (formerly Twitter), Taliban officials, citing chief spokesman Zabihullah mujahid, asserted, “There is nothing like the rumors being spread that we have imposed a ban on the internet.” The statement offered no timeline for service restoration.
The disruption impacts communication both within Afghanistan and with the outside world. Maruf Nabizada, an Afghan refugee living in the Netherlands, has been unable to reach his relatives in Herat province for three days. “When you cannot hear from your loved ones all the time, you get worried if they are fine, if something has happened to them,” Nabizada told the Associated Press.”Just last night my wife cried because she was not able to talk to her mother and sister. We are not sure what is happening there.”
Internet advocacy group Netblocks first reported the nationwide connectivity collapse, including disruptions to telephone services, on Monday. Afghan carrier Kam Air suspended operations to Kabul as Monday and anticipates resuming flights later wednesday.
Aid organizations have warned of significant challenges in delivering assistance due to the blackout. Save the Children stated Wednesday that “Reliable communications are essential for our ability to operate, to deliver life-saving assistance, and to coordinate with partners.”
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, imposing strict interpretations of Islamic law. This incident occurs amidst ongoing international scrutiny of the group’s policies and their impact on civil liberties and economic stability within the country.
