Taliban authorities on Monday imposed a nationwide shutdown of communications, weeks after they initiated a crackdown by severing fibre optic connections to prevent what they termed “vice.”
According to internet watchdog Netblocks, connectivity was operating at less than one per cent of its normal levels, which the group labelled a “comprehensive, or total blackout.”
In the minutes before the shutdown, a government official told AFP that the blackout would last “until further notice.” Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official detailed the scope of the restriction:
“It is going to be cut, it will happen gradually tonight, there are eight to nine thousand telecommunications pillars it will shut down. There isn’t any other way or system to communicate… the banking sector, customs, everything across the country will be affected.”
AFP reported losing contact with its bureau in the capital, Kabul, around 5:45 pm local time (6:15 pm PKT), including mobile phone service.
The move follows a crackdown on internet access that began earlier this month, ordered by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, which effectively shut down high-speed internet in several provinces.
Fibre optic internet was completely banned in the northern Balkh province on the leader’s orders, with provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid stating on September 16: “This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs.”
AFP correspondents previously reported similar restrictions in the northern provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar, as well as in Kandahar, Helmand, Nangarhar, and Uruzgan in the south, where internet connections have been extremely slow or intermittent for several weeks.
Ironically, the previous US-backed government had touted the 9,350-kilometre fibre optic network—largely built during their tenure—as a “priority” to connect the country to the world and alleviate poverty. Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have instituted numerous restrictions based on their interpretation of Islamic law.
