Kabul: Afghanistan is facing a total internet blackout after the Taliban government ordered a nationwide shutdown of telecommunications, weeks after fibre-optic connections were first severed.
According to global internet watchdog NetBlocks, multiple networks across the country went offline in a stepwise manner, with both mobile internet and satellite TV services now severely disrupted.
International news agencies confirmed they have lost contact with their offices in Kabul. Local media also declared that flights from Kabul International Airport have been cancelled, with at least eight departures and arrivals disrupted, data from FlightRadar24 shows.
Taliban silent on reasons
The Taliban authorities have not issued an official explanation for the shutdown. A Taliban official, however, said the blackout would continue ‘until further notice.’
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has set a series of restrictions in line with its interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Observers suggest the latest telecom shutdown may be part of new morality measures.
Impact on daily life and business
Residents in Kabul said fibre-optic connections went down around 17:00 local time on September 29 (12:30 GMT). While many did not immediately feel the effects, the disruption is anticipated to hit hard as banks, businesses, and services attempt to reopen.
Anete Lusina@Pexels | Cropped by BH
Afghanistan’s private broadcasters are also preparing for disruption. Business leaders have already raised concerns, warning that a prolonged shutdown would deal a severe blow to commercial activities.
Growing isolation
The blackout has drawn comparisons with other closed-off regimes. Hamid Haidari, former editor-in-chief of an Afghan channel, stated that, “loneliness enveloped the entire country” after the shutdown.
On social media, Afghan voices abroad echoed the concern. Former MP Mariam Solaimankhil, now in the US, described the silence as deafening, calling attention to the absence of Afghan voices online.
A pattern of restrictions
The telecom shutdown observes a series of cultural and social crackdowns under Taliban rule. Earlier this month, women-authored books were removed from university teaching systems, alongside a ban on teaching human rights and sexual harassment.
Women and girls remain barred from education beyond age 12. One of their last avenues for vocational training in midwifery courses was quietly closed in late 2024.
The Taliban’s sweeping restrictions have deepened Afghanistan’s isolation, both internally and from the outside world. Observers now warn that the latest blackout will further restrict information flows, intensify economic hardship, and silence one of the last remaining connections Afghans had with the outside community.
TRENDING | Michigan church attack leaves at least 4 dead; FBI leads investigation
