Six Taliban cabinet ministers are expected to travel to Kandahar soon to warn Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada of the negative consequences of cutting government internet access, sources told Amu TV.
The move comes after fiber-optic services provided by the state-run Afghan Telecom were shut down in Balkh province on Monday, Sept. 15, under Akhundzada’s orders. Local Taliban officials confirmed the shutdown, saying it was intended to “prevent immoral activities.” Sources said the blackout is expected to spread to other provinces.
According to sources, the internet cutoff has already caused major disruptions in government services, particularly in passport offices and customs departments.
Government employees in Balkh said the lack of connectivity has slowed daily operations and halted some activities altogether. “This decision has created serious problems in government offices,” one source said.
The Taliban leader’s directive reportedly orders Afghan Telecom to suspend internet services in all state institutions, denying government employees access to online resources. Sources said the rollout began in northern provinces last week and has already affected several government departments.
The decision has sparked widespread concern among civil servants, who fear the shutdown will paralyze essential services. Sources said the delegation of six ministers plans to inform Akhundzada directly of the economic and administrative damage caused by the order.
Taliban have not publicly commented on the reported ministerial trip or whether the internet blackout will be extended nationwide.
