Afghanistan Faces Nationwide Internet Blackout? Taliban Denies Shutdown Amid UN Concerns

Kabul (September 2025): The Afghan interim government has denied reports of a nationwide internet shutdown, stating that recent disruptions were caused by technical issues with old fiber optic cables rather than a deliberate ban.

In an official statement, authorities clarified that rumors circulating about a government-imposed internet blackout were false. They confirmed that while connectivity had been affected since Monday due to cable failures, no restrictions had been placed on internet access.

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However, internet watchdog NetBlocks reported what it described as a “complete internet blackout” across Afghanistan, noting that the outage also disrupted telephone services.

On September 16, the province of Balkh experienced a total fiber internet shutdown. Last month, restrictions were also recorded in Badakhshan, Takhar, Helmand, Kandahar, and Nangarhar, fueling concerns over growing censorship.

According to Afghan media, the Taliban administration recently set a one-week deadline to end 3G and 4G services nationwide. The suspension of telecommunications has already had severe consequences, including flight cancellations and a collapse of banking operations.

At Kabul International Airport, all flights were reportedly grounded due to the communication blackout, cutting Afghanistan off from the outside world.

The United Nations has urged Taliban authorities to immediately restore internet and telecommunications services, warning that the shutdown could worsen Afghanistan’s economic challenges and push its citizens further into humanitarian crisis.

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FAQ’S

Q1: Has the internet been completely shut down across Afghanistan?
A: According to the Afghan interim government, there is no nationwide internet ban. The disruption occurred due to old fiber optic cable failures.

Q2: Why did NetBlocks report a complete internet blackout?
A: NetBlocks observed severe disruptions in internet services and termed it a blackout. However, the government denied this claim, stating it was only a technical issue.

Q3: Which sectors were affected by the internet disruption?
A: The shutdown affected banking operations, led to flight cancellations, and caused major issues at airports across Afghanistan.

Q4: Did the Taliban impose restrictions on mobile services too?
A: Afghan media reported that the Taliban set a deadline to suspend 3G and 4G services, which contributed to further disruptions.

Q5: What has been the response of international organizations?
A: The United Nations urged the Taliban to immediately restore internet and telecommunication services, warning that the shutdown would push Afghan citizens into deeper economic and humanitarian crises.