The terrifying spectre of an internet shutdown in Afghanistan

"A partial shutdown of fibre-optic internet has spread fear. Afghans do not want to be cut off from the world. When I was a child, Afghans had to travel to Pakistan whenever they needed to make a phone call to their relatives outside the country. Today, we face the real possibility that we may also be forced to travel to a neighbouring country just to use the internet."

"Last week, fibre-optic internet services were stopped in several provinces, including Kandahar, Helmand and Balkh a move that may extend to the entire country. Afghanistan may be cut off from the rest of the world if the Taliban leadership does not reconsider its policy. Soon, you may no longer read my stories and those of millions of Afghans because we may not be able to connect to the internet. A total silence would prevail in the country."

"After the shutdown of fibre-optic internet in Balkh province, Haji Zaid, a spokesperson for the Balkh provincial government, said on X that the ban was a direct order from Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhunzada to prevent vice. However, many reacted negatively to his post, arguing that a proper alternative had to be introduced before the implementation of this policy. A nationwide cutoff of internet access would affect Afghan citizens in many ways."

A partial fibre-optic internet shutdown began in several Afghan provinces, including Kandahar, Helmand and Balkh, and could expand nationwide. The shutdown risks cutting Afghanistan off from international communication and forcing residents to travel abroad for internet access. The order was reportedly linked to Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhunzada and prompted criticism for lacking alternatives. A nationwide cutoff would disrupt business, banking, online learning, scholarships, NGO and e-government operations, and cost online workers their jobs. Many families rely on internet connections for income, storytelling platforms like YouTube, and maintaining contact with relatives abroad. A prolonged silence would isolate the population.

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