On September 29, 2025, Afghanistan experienced a complete communications blackout when the Taliban government cut the country's fibre-optic internet and mobile connectivity. This drastic decision significantly impacted the daily lives of over 40 million residents and raised urgent concerns among international organizations regarding economic and humanitarian fallout.
1. Total Blackout Declared:
• The Taliban cut Afghanistan’s internet connectivity, reducing it to less than 1% of normal operations.
• The UN urged immediate restoration of services, citing the severe risks to the economy and humanitarian aid.
2. Consequences of the Shutdown:
• Air travel was abruptly halted, with airlines, including Turkish Airlines, canceling flights without notice.
• Key aspects of daily life, such as shopping, bureaucratic procedures, and international trade, were disrupted.
3. Official Reasoning for the Blackout:
• Taliban officials claimed the shutdown aimed to enforce morality by preventing access to harmful content, like pornography.
• The governor of Balkh province hinted at exploring alternative communication options within the country.
4. Pattern of Restrictions:
• This blackout is part of a broader trend of increasing restrictions by the Taliban since regaining power, including banning educational materials authored by women and limiting discussions about human rights.
5. International and Domestic Impact:
• The blackout hurts humanitarian aid efforts which rely on stable internet for coordination.
• Economic activities are severely affected, crippling banking, commerce, and supply chains, which rely on digital communication.
• Foreign tourists are also trapped as flights are canceled and they cannot contact families or embassies due to the lack of internet.
6. Concerns About Increased Control:
• The blackout may allow the government to act without scrutiny, potentially facilitating the detention of critics or enacting unpopular policies.
• Without communication, citizens and visitors lack information about their safety and the ongoing situation in the country.
7. Potential Risks and Future Outlook:
• The shutdown indicates a severe willingness by the Taliban to impose harsh restrictions for what they deem moral reasons, risking significant disruption to citizens' lives.
• Experts warn that future actions may further isolate Afghanistan from the international community and inhibit essential services, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children.
The complete communications blackout in Afghanistan represents a worrying shift in governance under the Taliban regime, demonstrating their priorities regarding control and moral enforcement over the well-being of the population. This situation highlights the critical risks faced by Afghans and foreign visitors, as well as the broader implications for humanitarian efforts in the region. The international community is left to grapple with the consequences of this decisive action while Afghans remain isolated from the rest of the world.
https://expose-news.com/2025/10/01/afghanistan-dark-taliban-pull-plug-40-million-people/
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