By Diana George

Copyright timesnownews

The Taliban has expanded its ban on fibre-optic internet across several provinces in northern and eastern Afghanistan, marking the first such nationwide move since the group seized power in August 2021, the Associated Press reported. Authorities confirmed that the crackdown began in Balkh earlier this week and has since spread to Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and Takhar provinces. The shutdown leaves government offices, businesses, schools, and households without Wi-Fi access, though mobile internet services remain functional. A Taliban spokesman for Balkh, Haji Attaullah Zaid, told AP on Tuesday that the order came directly from the group’s leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. “This measure was taken to prevent immorality, and an alternative will be built within the country for necessities,” Zaid said. He did not explain why Balkh was chosen as the starting point for the ban or whether more provinces would be affected. The decision has already begun disrupting daily life in Balkh. A resident told AP he first noticed problems with his home connection several days ago and was informed by his provider that it was a technical issue. “Blocking the internet is beyond my comprehension in such an advanced era,” he said, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals. He explained that six people in his household, including a student, depended on Wi-Fi. “I rarely used mobile internet because it was slow and expensive,” he said. Reliable internet was also essential for his work, which required communication with clients outside Afghanistan. “If this ban continues, it will not only be detrimental to my business but also to others because all our business is done on the internet,” the resident said. “We do business with people in the outside world and maintain relationships through it. I might have to move from Mazar-e-Sharif to another province because I cannot afford the loss.” The Taliban insists that an alternative will eventually be created “for necessities,” but critics warn the restrictions could isolate Afghanistan further at a time when connectivity is vital for education, commerce, and global communication.