A stark silence has fallen across Afghanistan. The nation has plunged into a complete internet blackout. This drastic move by the Taliban government has disconnected millions from the outside world. It follows weeks of growing disruptions.
Netblocks, a group that watches internet activity, confirmed the country is experiencing a “total internet blackout.” International news offices in Kabul suddenly lost contact with their staff. Mobile internet and even satellite TV services are also deeply affected everywhere.
The Taliban has not offered a clear reason for turning off the country’s communications. Officials only stated that the shutdown will stay until they say otherwise. This lack of explanation leaves many guessing about the true motives.
The impact is hitting hard in many areas. Media and information access are particularly suffering. Tolo News, an Afghan news channel, urged its viewers to find updates on social media. They warned that their TV and radio networks might soon face problems.
Local reports indicate that at least eight flights from Kabul airport have been canceled. Diplomatic sources believe the internet cut will also hurt banking and online shopping across the country. This means everyday transactions will become very difficult.
People in Kabul noticed their fiber optic internet stopped working on Tuesday evening. But the real effects became clear on Tuesday morning. That’s when banks and businesses opened their doors. Many found they could not perform basic tasks without internet access.
Netblocks shared on social media, “Afghanistan is in the midst of a total internet blackout.” They explained that Taliban authorities are enforcing “moral measures.” Networks were shut down step by step in the morning. Even phone services are now feeling the squeeze.
For weeks, people in many provinces complained about slow or missing internet. This already caused big problems for businesses and daily life. Online education, a lifeline for women and girls banned from schools and universities, is now gone.
Mariam Soleimankhil, a former Afghan lawmaker, posted on X about the situation. She wrote, “The online silence, without the voices of Afghans from within the country, is deeply painful.” Her words highlight the isolation many now feel.
This blackout is the latest in a series of restrictions. The Taliban put these rules in place after returning to power in 2021. They previously banned education for women and girls over 12 years old. They also removed books written by women from university courses. This internet shutdown adds another layer of control, further cutting off the Afghan people.
Source: BBC