The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has once again issued a harsh decree after which the country’s approximately 43 million (4.3 crore) citizens have been completely cut off from the outside world. Following the lines of North Korea, the Taliban has ordered the shutdown of Internet and telecom services throughout Afghanistan. According to the global internet monitoring organization NetBlocks (NetBlocks), connectivity in the country fell to less than one percent of normal levels on Monday after this order.
Connectivity blackout across the country
This sudden communication blackout comes after weeks of minor restrictions that have become a major crisis for the country. Earlier this month, the Taliban began cutting fiber optic connections in several provinces, severely affecting high-speed internet.
Balkh province spokesman Atta Ullah Zaid confirmed that the move was taken “to prevent evil” and that alternative options would be implemented to meet connectivity needs across the country. The official admitted that no other system of communication was in place. AFP reported that it lost contact with its Kabul bureau at around 5:45 pm (local time).
Severe impact on essential services and the economy
The blackout has severely affected Afghanistan’s economy and essential services:
Afghanistan’s 9,350 km long fiber optic network, which was the lifeline of connecting the country to the global economy, is now at a standstill. The banking sector, customs, business networks and all other online systems have come to a complete halt.
According to the local media, at least 8 flights from Kabul International Airport were canceled or disrupted on Tuesday. Mobile internet and satellite TV services have also been badly affected across the country.
Increasing restrictions and control over women
Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed wide-ranging restrictions on society, but this is the first time that communications have been banned across the country. The Taliban recently removed books written by women from the university education system. Education of women and girls after the age of 12 is prohibited.
Sabena Chaudhary of Women for Afghan Women (WAW) said the blackout is silencing millions of Afghans and cutting them off from the outside world. He said that due to being in New York, he has also lost contact with his employees inside Afghanistan.