Taliban Sought to Restore Internet Access Amid Growing Economic and Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan

The U.N. Mission Appeals to the Taliban to Restore Internet Access in Afghanistan ISLAMABAD (September 30, 2025) - The United Nations mission in Afghanistan urged the Taliban on Tuesday to restore internet and telecommunications access across the country, citing the economic and humanitarian consequences of a nationwide blackout. According to the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the outage, which began on Monday, has left the nation "almost entirely cut off from the outside world." The disruption is attributed to a decree issued by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada earlier this month, banning fiber-optic connections to prevent immorality. "The blackout is crippling banking and financial systems, isolating women and girls, limiting access to education and healthcare, and exacerbating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises," said a spokesperson for the U.N. mission in a statement. The Taliban's decision to shut down internet access has significant implications for Afghanistan's economy, which relies heavily on international trade and financial transactions. The blackout is also affecting the country's ability to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with many aid organizations relying on digital communication channels to deliver critical services. "This is not just a technical issue; it's a human rights issue," said Richard Bennett, the U.N. Special Representative for Afghanistan. "The Taliban must understand that restricting access to information and communication is a form of collective punishment that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations." The U.N. mission has been working with international partners to find alternative solutions to restore internet access in Afghanistan. However, the process is complex and requires cooperation from all parties involved. In the meantime, Afghans are finding ways to cope with the blackout. Many have turned to private internet cafes, which offer limited access to social media and other online services. However, these facilities are often overcrowded and expensive, making them inaccessible to many. The U.N. mission is urging the Taliban to reconsider their decision and restore internet access as soon as possible. The international community is also calling on the Taliban to respect human rights and ensure that Afghanistan's citizens have access to essential services. As the situation unfolds, the U.N. mission will continue to work with all parties involved to find a solution that addresses the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people. Background: The Taliban returned to power in August 2021, following a two-decade-long conflict with the previous government. Since then, the group has implemented strict laws and regulations, including restrictions on women's rights and access to education. Additional Perspectives: "The internet blackout is just another example of the Taliban's disregard for human rights and their desire to isolate Afghanistan from the rest of the world," said a spokesperson for the Afghan Women's Network. "We understand that the Taliban has concerns about immorality, but shutting down the internet is not the solution. We urge them to find alternative solutions that respect human rights and dignity," added a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross. Current Status: The U.N. mission continues to work with international partners to find alternative solutions to restore internet access in Afghanistan. The Taliban has yet to respond to the U.N.'s appeal, but the situation is expected to remain volatile in the coming days. Next Developments: The U.N. mission will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. In the meantime, Afghans are advised to find alternative solutions to access essential services, such as private internet cafes or mobile networks. *Reporting by Npr.*