Afghans are facing a second day of near-total communications blackout after Taliban authorities cut fibre-optic networks across the country in an unprecedented crackdown. The shutdown, which began on Monday night, has reduced internet connectivity to less than 1% of normal levels, according to internet watchdog NetBlocks.
The measures, ordered by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, aim to 'prevent immorality', but have left millions without access to mobile phones or the internet. 'We are blind without phones and internet,' said Najibullah, a 42-year-old shopkeeper in Kabul. 'All our business relies on mobiles. The market is totally frozen.'
This is the first time the Taliban has imposed a nationwide communications blackout. While officials have previously blocked social media or restricted internet access, the current shutdown affects all services, including telephone lines that rely on internet routing. A government official warned the blackout would last 'until further notice', affecting banking, customs, and daily life.
Human rights groups and the UN have condemned the move. Fereshta Abbasi of Human Rights Watch stated that the shutdown deprives Afghans of livelihoods and fundamental rights to education and healthcare. The UN mission in Afghanistan warned it risks 'inflicting significant harm' and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The Taliban has enforced strict restrictions on women and freedom of expression, including banning girls from education and women from work. The blackout follows earlier cuts in several provinces, with the Taliban leader reportedly ignoring warnings about economic fallout. A UN source noted that operations have fallen back to radio and limited satellite links.
