Kabul, Afghanistan – The Taliban has imposed a complete nationwide shutdown of communications, cutting off internet and telephone services across Afghanistan.
The move comes weeks after the authorities began severing fibre optic connections in a bid to prevent what they call “vice.”
According to internet watchdog Netblocks, connectivity in the country dropped to less than one percent of normal levels, describing the situation as a “total blackout.” AFP lost contact with its Kabul bureau at around 5:45 pm local time.
A government official, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed that the shutdown would continue “until further notice.” The official added that the closure affects all telecommunications infrastructure, including banking, customs, and other essential services.
Earlier this month, the Taliban restricted high-speed internet in several provinces, including Balkh, Badakhshan, Takhar, Kandahar, Helmand, Nangarhar, and Uruzgan.
Telephone services, which often rely on the same fibre lines as the internet, have also been disrupted.
“This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be provided to meet connectivity needs,” Balkh provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid said on social media.
Afghanistan had previously invested heavily in its 9,350-kilometre fibre optic network, largely built under former US-backed governments, to improve connectivity and economic opportunities.
However, since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have implemented strict restrictions in line with their interpretation of Islamic law.
This is the first nationwide communications shutdown since the Taliban returned to power and highlights growing concerns about the country’s isolation from global communications and digital infrastructure.
