Taliban Again Shutdown Fiber-Optic Internet in Balkh

DID Press: Taliban-appointed governor of Balkh province suspended fiber-optic internet services. The order, communicated to the Telecommunications Authority and private telecom companies, demands immediate implementation, though negotiations are ongoing to prevent a complete internet blackout.

Yousuf Wafa, Taliban governor of Balkh province, has again ordered the suspension of fiber-optic internet services. The directive was sent on Wednesday and Thursday (November 7–8) to relevant entities, including the Afghanistan Telecom Authority and private operators, with an emphasis on immediate compliance.

According to informed sources, telecom officials are negotiating with the Ministry of Communications and the Office of the Prime Minister in Kabul in hopes of averting a full shutdown. Local reports indicate that the renewal of Wi-Fi packages for subscribers in Mazar-i-Sharif city has already stopped as of Wednesday, although users with active packages have not yet lost access.

This is not the first time fiber-optic internet has been cut in Balkh. Wafa had issued a similar order on September 24, which later extended to other provinces. Ataullah Zaid, spokesperson for the Taliban administration in Balkh, said the measure was carried out under the direct order of Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, aimed at “combating immoral activities.”

Previous restrictions in early October also led to nationwide internet and telecom disruptions, but the shutdown was lifted after two days following orders from Taliban authorities in Kabul, and operators resumed normal activity.