Government Clarification on Outages
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has officially denied imposing a nationwide ban on internet services, addressing days of widespread speculation surrounding connectivity disruptions. In an official statement shared via WhatsApp and social media platforms, the administration attributed the interruptions to technical issues rather than policy-driven restrictions.
According to the announcement, the disruptions were caused by worn-out fibre optic cables currently undergoing replacement. Officials stressed that no formal order had been issued to restrict or suspend internet services across the country.
Speculation of a Ban Linked to Morality
The clarification came after mounting speculation that the Taliban had ordered a nationwide shutdown to curb what it terms “immorality” online. In recent months, some provincial authorities acknowledged localised shutdowns linked to directives by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, which reportedly targeted online content deemed inappropriate.
This history of targeted restrictions fueled public concerns that the recent outages represented a larger, centrally imposed policy. The government’s denial, however, indicates that the current crisis is being framed as an infrastructure problem rather than a moral or ideological decision.
Impact on Key Sectors
The internet disruptions have had a visible impact across multiple sectors in Afghanistan. Banking services have struggled to process online transactions, while aviation authorities reported difficulties in managing bookings and communication systems. Humanitarian operations have also been severely affected, with aid groups warning that the lack of reliable connectivity hampers their ability to coordinate life-saving support in critical regions.
The crisis highlights Afghanistan’s heavy reliance on limited fibre optic networks, where infrastructure issues can cause widespread disruption to everyday life and essential services.
Calls from Aid Groups for Urgent Restoration
International humanitarian organisations operating in Afghanistan have urged the authorities to prioritise the restoration of internet services. For groups coordinating emergency relief, health programs, and food distribution, reliable connectivity is a vital tool. Several organisations have warned that prolonged outages could compromise their ability to reach vulnerable communities at a time when Afghanistan continues to face economic hardship and humanitarian crises.
Infrastructure Challenges Under the Taliban
Afghanistan’s digital infrastructure has long been fragile, with years of underinvestment leaving fibre optic networks vulnerable to wear and tear. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, maintaining and upgrading telecommunications has become increasingly difficult, given financial constraints and the withdrawal of much international technical support.
The government’s explanation that the outages are due to fibre optic cable replacement points to ongoing challenges in sustaining nationwide connectivity. Analysts suggest that without significant investment and technical expertise, such disruptions are likely to recur, raising concerns about the country’s digital future.
Balancing Control and Connectivity
While the Taliban have sought to reassure the public that no nationwide ban is in place, the incident underscores the tension between their strict ideological governance and the need for modern communications. The denial of a formal ban may calm immediate concerns, but questions remain about how the government will balance its regulatory approach with the demands of Afghanistan’s economy, civil society, and international partners.
