In a move that has left Afghanistan paralyzed, the Taliban government has denied reports of a nationwide internet ban, attributing the disruption to the replacement of old fiber optic cables. The blackout, which has now stretched into its second day, has had severe implications for the country, affecting various sectors such as banking, commerce, and aviation.
The United Nations has expressed grave concerns over the internet cut, highlighting its “extremely serious” rights implications, particularly for women and girls in the country. The blackout has hindered communication and access to vital services, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
The Taliban’s denial of a nationwide ban contradicts reports from several provinces confirming an internet shutdown following a decree from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to combat immorality. The conflicting narratives have added to the confusion surrounding the situation, with some networks being restored while others remain disrupted.
The internet blackout in Afghanistan underscores the challenges faced by the country as it navigates the transition under Taliban rule. The lack of reliable communication infrastructure not only hampers everyday life but also raises concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring access to information for its citizens.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for the international community to monitor developments closely and advocate for the restoration of internet connectivity in Afghanistan. The rights of all individuals, especially vulnerable groups, must be safeguarded to prevent further humanitarian crises in the region.
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Reference:
1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/30/afghanistan-internet-blackout-taliban/
2. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/30/afghanistan-imposes-internet-blackout-what-has-the-effect-been-so-far?traffic_source=rss
3. https://ifpnews.com/un-warns-afghanistan-internet-cut-extremely-serious-for-human-rights/
4. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3327514/taliban-deny-afghanistan-internet-ban-amid-outage-reports?utm_source=rss_feed
5. https://www.france24.com/en/video/20251001-afghanistan-the-nationwide-internet-shutdown-led-by-taliban-gov-continues
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