Afghans celebrated the restoration of internet and telecom services following a recent government shutdown that had lasted 48 hours. Local reporters indicated that communications were returning, and Netblocks, an internet monitoring organization, confirmed a “partial restoration” of connectivity. A source close to the Taliban government stated to BBC Afghan that the internet services resumed by order of the Taliban prime minister.
The blackout disrupted various sectors, including businesses and flights, limited access to emergency services, and raised concerns about the further marginalization of women and girls, who have already faced significant restrictions since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Reports from Kabul indicated an increase in people communicating on their phones, reflecting a sense of relief among residents, including both men and women. Suhail Shaheen, a senior spokesman for the Taliban based in Qatar, announced that “all communications” were restored by Wednesday afternoon.
However, the Taliban government has not provided an official reason for the initial shutdown. A spokesperson from the northern Balkh province previously mentioned that internet access might be blocked “for the prevention of vices.” Since the Taliban’s return, they have implemented various restrictions aligned with their interpretation of Islamic law, severely limiting women’s rights, including education and employment opportunities.
During the blackout, the UN reported that Afghanistan was nearly entirely isolated from the outside world, warning that this disruption could significantly harm the Afghan population and exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The BBC noted a quieter atmosphere in Kabul, with banks and shops closed, affecting the flow of international money transfers and prompting concerns about the economic stability of the region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0jq2q5jnw3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss