Afghans have poured into the streets to celebrate the return of internet and telecom services after the Taliban abruptly cut them off for two days, drawing sharp criticism at home and abroad, BBC reports.
Local journalists reported that connections were resuming, while internet monitor NetBlocks confirmed a «partial restoration» of access. A government source told BBC Afghan the decision came directly from the Taliban prime minister.
The blackout, which lasted 48 hours, halted businesses, disrupted flights and restricted access to emergency services. It also deepened fears that women and girls, already facing sweeping restrictions under Taliban rule since 2021, would become further isolated. On Wednesday evening, hundreds of Kabul residents gathered to share the news that services were back.
Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen, based in Qatar, said all communications had been restored by Wednesday afternoon. The government has not explained the reason for the suspension. Last month, however, a Taliban official in Balkh province said internet restrictions were aimed at «the prevention of vices».
Since regaining power, the Taliban have introduced strict rules based on their interpretation of Islamic law. Women say internet access is their last remaining connection to the outside world, particularly since girls over 12 have been barred from education. Job opportunities for women have been drastically reduced and in September, universities removed books authored by women.
The UN warned the outage left Afghanistan nearly cut off, threatening economic stability and worsening one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. During the blackout Kabul’s streets were quieter, banks were shut, shopping centres were empty and money transfer services were suspended, blocking remittances from Afghans abroad. Flights were cancelled and travel agents largely closed.
