Afghan Authorities Begin Restricting Fibre-Optic Internet Access

Afghan authorities have started to curb the use of fibre-optic internet, according to Tasnim News. In Balkh, access to the network has already been cut under Taliban orders.

Local officials justified the decision as part of a campaign against what they called «sins.» The shutdown has disrupted services including passport offices and customs operations.

In response, six ministers travelled to Kandahar to assess the impact. Reports suggest the restrictions could be extended to other provinces.

Journalist Bilal Sarwari noted that a final decision on a nationwide ban has not yet been made. He said a dispute has emerged in Mazar-i-Sharif between the provincial governor and the minister of communications, while in Kabul opposition remains to imposing strict controls.

Kursiv also reports that the Taliban have launched work on the exploration and extraction of the Tooti Maidan gas fields in northern Afghanistan, a 10-year project managed by Uzbek company Eriellcom.