The Taliban government denied claims of a nationwide internet ban in Afghanistan on Wednesday, attributing disruptions to the replacement of aging fiber optic cables. This marks the Taliban’s first official address regarding the communication blackout that has affected various sectors like banking, commerce, and aviation.
Reports indicated that several provinces experienced internet shutdowns last month following a decree by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to address perceived moral issues. Dismissing rumors of an internet ban, Taliban officials clarified in a brief statement shared with Pakistani journalists via WhatsApp that the disruptions were due to the deteriorating fiber optic infrastructure, which is undergoing replacement.
Maruf Nabizada, a resident of the Netherlands who left Afghanistan in 2022, expressed concern over the inability to contact his family in Herat province through WhatsApp amid the ongoing communication challenges. The uncertainty surrounding the restoration of services has left many like Nabizada anxious about the well-being of their loved ones.
The outage, initially reported by Netblocks on Monday, has significantly impacted internet connectivity and telephone services nationwide, including in Kabul. The disruption led to the cancellation of multiple flights from Kabul airport on Wednesday, affecting travel plans and raising concerns among humanitarian organizations about operational difficulties.
As the blackout continues, aid agencies emphasize the critical importance of restoring communication channels to facilitate essential services and humanitarian efforts. Save the Children highlighted the vital role of reliable communications in delivering life-saving assistance and coordinating relief efforts.
