Internet Access in Afghanistan Restored After 48-Hour Outage

Afghanistan has regained internet access after a complete shutdown that lasted nearly 48 hours, a decision made by the ruling Taliban government without any public explanation. Reports indicate that the Taliban reinstated internet services on Wednesday, following a total blackout that had serious implications for various sectors.

The disruption, which occurred on Monday evening, had significant consequences for the nation, halting economic activities, grounding flights, and complicating access to medical services. The blackout also raised alarms regarding the safety and security of women and girls, amid ongoing concerns about their rights under Taliban rule.

According to sources cited by various media outlets, including BBC, the decision to lift the internet blockade was reportedly made by Prime Minister Mohammed Hassan Akhund. The blackout initially followed disruptions to fiber optic connections in several provinces, leading to widespread impact on daily life. In the capital city of Kabul, public activities were severely curtailed as residents remained indoors, and there were fears that the blackout could be a precursor to further repressive measures.

Upon the restoration of internet services, reports emerged of residents in Kabul expressing relief and reconnecting with family and friends across the country. There were also calls from the public to prevent similar measures in the future, as the shutdown had inflicted considerable economic hardship. Some individuals highlighted the need for improved internet quality, given that mobile internet services in Afghanistan are often characterized as expensive and unreliable.

Despite the return of internet connectivity, the reasons behind the sudden shutdown and subsequent restoration remain unclear. Observers are left to speculate on the implications of this event and whether it indicates a shift in the Taliban's approach to information control and civil liberties.