Afghanistan Internet Disruptions Not A Ban, Says Taliban, Infrastructure Being Replaced

The Taliban government has rejected reports of a nationwide internet ban in Afghanistan, attributing recent disruptions to worn-out fiber optic cables that are currently being replaced.

This is the Taliban's first public statement regarding the communications blackout, which has affected banking, commerce, and aviation in the country.

Earlier, several provinces reported internet shutdowns, linked to a decree from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada aimed at combating immorality. Responding to the rumors, Taliban officials stated in a three-line message shared with Pakistani journalists on WhatsApp:

"There is nothing like the rumors being spread that we have imposed a ban on the internet."

The statement, also posted on social media platform X, cited Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who explained that the ongoing nationwide disruptions were caused by decaying fiber optic infrastructure, which is now being replaced.

With AP Inputs