The Taliban have ordered the suspension of internet and mobile phone data services across Afghanistan, according to reports from diplomatic and industry sources. This unprecedented action has disrupted connectivity and impacted essential services such as flights and financial transactions, leaving many in Afghanistan cut off from the outside world.
The Taliban administration has not provided an immediate explanation for this outage, and efforts to reach officials for comment have been unsuccessful. The United Nations has urged the Taliban authorities to restore services promptly, warning that the disruption poses a significant threat to the well-being of Afghan citizens. A UN statement highlighted that Afghanistan, already in crisis due to an earthquake, drought, and the return of millions of refugees, cannot afford further isolation.
NetBlocks, an international internet monitoring organization, reported that internet access in Afghanistan had already plummeted to around 1%. The disconnection occurred in stages, with the final phase affecting telephone services reliant on internet infrastructure. Tolo News, a private media outlet, revealed that telecommunications regulators had issued a one-week deadline for shutting down 3G and 4G services, retaining only the antiquated 2G standard.
The consequences of the blackout are felt deeply; individuals like Shabeer, who worked for a private internet service provider, have seen their jobs halted due to the restrictions. The inability to communicate has heightened concerns for families estranged from their loved ones, both within and outside Afghanistan.
Arafat Jamal, the UN refugee agency’s representative in the country, emphasized the importance of communication for humanitarian aid efforts, including those responding to the earthquake. Jamal labeled the interruption as “unnecessary,” warning that the impact would heavily burden the Afghan populace.
This latest development aligns with the Taliban government’s increasingly hardline policies, including restrictions on women’s rights and access to education. Women’s rights advocate Sanam Kabiri criticized these measures, stating that the Taliban is systematically suppressing the Afghan people. Many women, having turned to the internet for employment amid restrictive work policies, are now facing further challenges due to the shutdown.
Amid these dire circumstances, the international community remains hopeful for dialogue and a resolution to the turmoil in Afghanistan, as efforts to restore connectivity and aid are urgently needed to alleviate the suffering of its people.