Afghans poured into the streets to celebrate after internet and telecom services were restored, ending a 48-hour nationwide blackout imposed by the Taliban government that drew widespread international criticism.
Local reporters confirmed that communications were gradually resuming, while internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a “partial restoration” of connectivity. A source told BBC Afghan that the order to restore services came directly from the Taliban prime minister.
The shutdown, which lasted two days, disrupted flights, businesses, and access to emergency services. It also deepened concerns over the isolation of women and girls, already facing severe restrictions under Taliban rule since their return to power in 2021.
On Wednesday evening, hundreds gathered in Kabul to spread the news. “Everyone is happy, holding their cell phones and talking to their relatives. From women to men and even Talibs, all were on their phones,” one man told BBC Afghan. “There are more crowds now in the city.”
Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said that “all communications” had been restored by Wednesday afternoon, though the government has not provided an official reason for the blackout.
Last month, however, a Taliban official in Balkh province claimed internet access was being restricted “to prevent vices.” Since retaking control, the group has enforced numerous curbs based on its interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.
For Afghan women, the internet has been a lifeline to the outside world after girls over the age of 12 were banned from school and many job opportunities stripped away. In September, books authored by women were also removed from universities.
The United Nations condemned the blackout, warning it left Afghanistan “almost completely cut off from the outside world” and risked worsening one of the world’s most dire humanitarian crises.
During the outage, Kabul’s streets fell silent: banks were closed, shopping centers emptied, and international money transfers — a vital source of support from Afghans abroad — were halted. Travel agencies also shut their doors, and flights were cancelled.
“This is the gradual death,” said one shopkeeper. “No hope, no progress, no freedom of speech, no optimism for the future of your child, no stability for your business, no use for your studies.”
But on Wednesday, the mood shifted. “It’s like Eid al-Adha, like preparing for prayer,” said delivery driver Sohrab Ahmadi. “We are very happy from the bottom of our hearts.”
Mah, a 24-year-old Afghan now studying in the UK, broke down when she finally spoke to her family again. “When I heard my mother’s voice, I cried with happiness,” she said. “At least I can hear her. But in Afghanistan, nothing is certain — nothing is under control.”
