Kabul, Afghanistan—Internet services have reportedly been restored across Afghanistan after a nearly 48-hour blackout, according to Suhail Shaheen, a key Taliban government official and the ambassador to Qatar.
The disruption, which had severely impacted businesses and flights, was met with a spontaneous public reaction. Afghan citizens reportedly took to the streets in some areas to celebrate the return of internet and telecom services, though they were quickly prevented from doing so by the Taliban administration.
Local journalists and network monitoring groups confirmed the partial return of connectivity. NetBlocks, a global internet monitor, stated that network data showed signs of “partial recovery.”
The Taliban administration has not issued an official explanation for the prolonged internet shutdown. However, the move follows a statement last month by a spokesman for the Taliban governor of the northern province of Balkh, who had indicated that internet access was being restricted to “prevent evils.”
Since returning to power, the Taliban has imposed numerous restrictions on the Afghan populace in the name of Sharia law. The unannounced and unexplained internet blackout is the latest action to raise concerns about civil liberties and freedom of communication in the country.