The Taliban have extended a harsh Internet Shutdown, cutting fibre-optic connections across multiple Afghan provinces in a bid to curb “vice.” The restrictions are crippling businesses and stirring fears over further closures.
The Afghan Taliban have intensified their restrictions on internet Shutdown by cutting off fibre optic connections in several provinces. The Internet Shutdown, ordered by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, comes as part of a campaign against what the regime calls moral “vice.” Geo
In provinces such as Balkh, Badakhshan, Takhar, Kandahar, Helmand, and Uruzgan, fibre optic internet has been fully suspended. In Balkh, for example, only limited access through telephone networks remains, though mobile operators report widespread disruption. Geo
The impact has been severe. Businesses are struggling: delays in communication with international clients are threatening contracts and revenues. One contractor in Kandahar lamented losing sleep over missed emails from partners abroad. Geo
Taliban officials in some provinces say that the shutdowns will be expanded further. In Nangarhar, the move hasn’t yet been enforced, but a provincial spokesman expects the restrictions to reach there in the near future. Geo
Government statements justify the crackdown by linking online applications and internet content to erosion of cultural, social, religious norms and “moral corruption.” Geo Prior to this, Afghanistan had invested in building a 9,350-km fibre optic network—a project promoted by previous governments as essential for reducing isolation and fostering economic development. Geo
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