Interim Afghan administration cuts off fiber-optic internet services in some provinces: Report

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Afghanistan’s interim administration has cut off fiber-optic internet services in several provinces, including Balkh, Kunduz, Baghlan, Takhar and Badakhshan, local broadcaster Tolo News reported Wednesday.

Services were also reportedly suspended in Laghman, Kandahar and Helmand provinces.

The report followed an announcement earlier this week by Balkh provincial government spokesman Haji Attaullah Zaid, who wrote on the US social media company X’s platform that a complete ban had been imposed on fiber-optic cables in the northern province.

“All internet access through this cable was disconnected after the ban,” Zaid said.

He added that the measure aimed to prevent “immoral acts,” noting that “alternative routes” would be created for essential needs.

Interim Higher Education Minister Neda Mohammad Nadim also weighed in, saying that despite technological advances, “the problems and corruptions of social networks, the internet and mobile phones are very high.”

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.