Afghans Celebrate As Internet Connectivity Resurfaces After Taliban Blackout

Afghans celebrated in the streets when internet and phone services returned after a brief blackout. The Taliban previously shut down communications, which drew widespread criticism.

Reports show that networks are partially back up, with many using their phones again. A local source confirmed that the Taliban’s prime minister ordered the restoration. This 48-hour disruption affected businesses and emergency services and worried many about the impact on women’s rights, which have already suffered since the Taliban took control in 2021.

One man in Kabul shared, “Everyone is happy, holding their cell phones and talking to their relatives.” He noted that both men and women, even members of the Taliban, were using their phones in larger numbers than before.

Suhail Shaheen, a Taliban spokesman, confirmed that communication services were fully restored by Wednesday afternoon. However, there was no official explanation for the abrupt shutdown.

In recent weeks, officials in the northern Balkh province had mentioned restricting internet access to prevent “vices.” Since their return, the Taliban have placed various restrictions aligned with their interpretation of Islamic law.

This disruption highlights the fragile state of communication in Afghanistan. Many women have expressed that the internet is crucial since being barred from education over the age of 12. Job opportunities for women have also dwindled, with significant recent censorship affecting books by female authors in universities.

The United Nations warned that the blackout cut Afghanistan off from the outside world, risking severe economic instability and worsening the humanitarian crisis there. According to the UN, over 28 million Afghans require humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for open channels of communication.

The swift return of internet services prompted reactions on social media, with many relieved at the restoration of connectivity. This event shows not only the necessity of communication but also how quickly it can be disrupted in volatile circumstances.

For further insights, you can read more from the United Nations on the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

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