Several telecommunications companies in Kabul say they have been instructed by the Taliban to shut down fiber-optic internet services in parts of the capital during nighttime hours.
Some internet users confirmed the outages, saying they are unable to access fiber-optic services at night. The disruption, they say, is affecting daily life, education and Afghanistan’s fragile digital economy.
Residents of Kabul, still reeling from a recent 48-hour nationwide internet outage, say they fear being plunged into a “digital blackout.”
“We’re already dealing with enough problems. Cutting off the internet at night just makes life harder,” said Ahmad Shaker, a resident of Kabul.
Telecommunications providers say they are operating under increasing restrictions from Taliban authorities. Users argue that instead of imposing limits, the Taliban should focus on expanding and improving internet access.
“In a time when the world is embracing e-governance, cutting off internet access will only push Afghanistan further behind,” said Mohammad Aimal, another Kabul resident.
A source at the Taliban’s Ministry of Communications told Amu that no official directive has yet been issued to suspend internet service at night.
However, political observers and internet users alike say the move is part of a broader attempt by the Taliban to assert tighter control over digital platforms and restrict the flow of information.
“It’s not just about limiting internet,” said political activist Asif Nang.
In September, Taliban cut off the internet and telecommunication services countrywide for 48 hours, a move that led to widespread condemnations and criticism from the public and activsts.
