Afghans Celebrate as Internet Restored Following Taliban Blackout

Fri Oct 03 2025 05:03:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After a 48-hour blackout, Afghans express joy and relief as internet services return, highlighting the significant impact on daily life and communication.

In Afghanistan, residents have erupted in celebration following the restoration of internet and telecommunications services that were shut down by the Taliban government. The 48-hour blackout led to economic disruptions and heightened fears among marginalized groups, especially women and girls. Local officials confirmed the reinstatement of connectivity, prompting public gatherings as citizens engaged on their devices again. The Taliban have yet to offer a clear rationale for the initial shutdown, which was criticized for jeopardizing access to vital services and information.

Afghans have taken to the streets to rejoice in the restoration of internet and telecom services after the Taliban government shut them down, provoking widespread condemnation.

Local reporters said communications were resuming, while internet monitor Netblocks reported a partial restoration of connectivity. A source close to the government confirmed to BBC Afghan that the internet was back by order of the Taliban prime minister.

The 48-hour blackout disrupted businesses and flights, limited access to emergency services, and raised fears about further isolating women and girls whose rights have been severely eroded since the hardline Islamist group swept back to power in 2021.

On Wednesday evening, hundreds of Afghans took to the streets in the capital city Kabul to celebrate the restoration of internet services. One man expressed his delight by saying, Everyone is happy, holding their cell phones and talking to their relatives.

Suhail Shaheen, a senior Taliban spokesman, stated that all communications were restored by Wednesday afternoon, yet the government has offered no official explanation for the shutdown.

In the months prior, Taliban officials indicated services might be restricted for reasons related to the prevention of vices. Since taking control in 2021, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions in line with their interpretation of Sharia law.

Afghan women reported that the internet served as a vital link to education and the outside world after being barred from attending school. The UN had condemned the blackout, warning that it jeopardized economic stability and worsened Afghanistan's ongoing humanitarian crisis.

During the period without internet, Kabul became notably quieter, with many businesses shuttered, flights halted, and citizens unable to connect with family overseas. Afghans living abroad expressed concern, desperate to communicate with their loved ones within Afghanistan.

Following the restoration of services, the atmosphere lightened markedly, with many people expressing their happiness. One individual shared, It's like Eid al-Adha; it's like preparing to go for prayer. We are very happy from the bottom of our hearts. A young Afghan studying in the UK recounted her emotional response when able to contact her family in Afghanistan, saying, When I spoke to my mum, I cried, I was happy. At least I can hear her voice.