Afghan Taliban reject reports of internet ban blame worn-out cables

The Afghan Taliban government on Wednesday rejected widespread reports of a nationwide internet ban in Afghanistan, attributing the recent communications blackout to worn-out fiber optic cables being replaced.

The clarification comes after days of uncertainty that disrupted banking, commerce, aviation, and humanitarian operations across the country.

In its first official statement on the issue, the Taliban dismissed claims of an intentional shutdown.

“There is nothing like the rumours being spread that we have imposed a ban on the internet,” officials said in a short message circulated in a WhatsApp group with Pakistani journalists.

The statement, also shared on social media platform X, quoted Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who explained that nationwide disruptions were due to decaying fibre optic infrastructure now undergoing replacement. However, no timeline for service restoration was provided.

The connectivity crisis was first reported on Monday by internet advocacy group NetBlocks, which confirmed that internet services were collapsing across Afghanistan, including in the capital Kabul, while telephone networks were also affected. 

Adding to the confusion, several provinces last month acknowledged a shutdown reportedly ordered by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada as part of efforts to combat “immorality.”

Aid organizations have raised alarm over the communications blackout, warning that it is hampering life-saving operations.

“Reliable communications are essential for our ability to operate, to deliver life-saving assistance, and to coordinate with partners,” Save the Children said in a statement on Wednesday, urging authorities to restore internet services as soon as possible.