The Taliban have started suspending fiber-optic internet services across Afghanistan’s provinces, claiming the move is intended to “prevent vice,” according to Khaama Press.
Authorities in the northern province of Balkh were the first to confirm the measure. Haji Zaid, spokesperson for the provincial governor, said the decision was made by central authorities in Kabul.
Residents of Mazar-e Sharif, Balkh’s administrative capital, reported that as early as Monday, Afghanistan Telecom and other cable internet providers were disconnected, leaving users reliant solely on mobile data services.
The sudden restrictions have disrupted a wide range of activities in one of Afghanistan’s key economic hubs—affecting online government services, banking operations, remote education, and business communications.
Reports soon followed of similar shutdowns in Kandahar and Helmand provinces, while residents of Herat complained of sharply reduced internet speeds.
According to local media, Afghanistan’s fiber-optic network connects the country with five neighboring nations. The previous government had invested around US$150 million into building this infrastructure.
Analysts warn that restricting internet access will deepen Afghanistan’s isolation, damage its fragile economy, and cut citizens off from education and information. Observers also note that the decision undermines past infrastructure investments and raises serious concerns about the future of the country’s digital development.
The internet shutdown is the latest in a series of bans and restrictions imposed by Taliban officials to tighten control over society and limit access to information and education.
Earlier, television broadcasting was effectively banned in several provinces, including Balkh, forcing local TV companies to switch to radio transmission.
