Kabul – In a move with far-reaching implications for Afghanistan’s digital infrastructure, the Taliban has banned fibre-optic internet services in Balkh province.

The decision, confirmed on Tuesday by a spokesman, was made on direct orders from the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, according to Afghan media, a move officials say is aimed at preventing “immoral activities.”

Supreme Leader’s Order Confirmed

Haji Zaid, a spokesman for the Taliban governor in Balkh, confirmed that the order to shut down the high-speed internet service came directly from the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Zaid stated that the decision was made “to prevent immoral activities” and that authorities were now looking into alternative solutions for internet access.

The ban has already been implemented. Residents in Mazar-i-Sharif, the provincial capital, reported that their Wi-Fi services were cut earlier this week.

Telecommunications companies in the city confirmed the shutdown, explaining that it was carried out under specific orders from the Taliban leadership.

According to locals, Afghan Telecom and all other cable internet providers have suspended services, leaving only low-speed mobile internet in operation, which is significantly less reliable.

Real Reason Behind the Ban

The sources having knowledge of the matter report that the true motivation is linked to security and intelligence concerns.

The halt is believed to be an effort to clamp down on social media users suspected of becoming part of a growing network associated with the Islamic State–Khorasan Province (ISK).

By restricting internet access, authorities may be attempting to disrupt recruitment and communication channels used by the group to radicalize and organize new members.

Reports of a Wider Nationwide Shutdown

While the ban was officially confirmed for Balkh, multiple sources told Afghanistan International that fibre-optic services have been shut down across Afghanistan for the past three weeks.

The disruption appears to be expanding beyond the northern province.

On Tuesday afternoon, internet services provided by Afghan Telecom were also cut in Kandahar province, a major commercial hub in the south, according to sources who spoke to Amu TV.

This move suggests a potential pattern of nationwide restrictions, though Taliban authorities have not yet commented on whether the ban in Kandahar is permanent or if similar orders will be extended across the country.

Severe Economic and Social Disruptions

The loss of fibre-optic connections has severely restricted access to high-speed internet, crippling essential services and businesses.

Public government offices, including critical departments like passport and customs, have experienced significant delays and halts to basic services.

Private businesses, which rely on stable connections for daily operations, are struggling, while remote education platforms and online banking services have been severely disrupted.

Analysts have warned that this decision could have significant long-term consequences for Afghanistan’s economy.

The move could further deter foreign investment, restrict the country’s access to global markets, and deprive students of vital educational opportunities that require high-speed access to online resources.

The Role of Fibre-Optic Technology

Fibre-optic internet transmits data using light signals through glass cables, offering far greater speed and stability than traditional mobile networks.

Afghanistan has invested heavily in this technology to connect to international broadband through links with five neighbouring countries.

Figures from the former Ministry of Communications show that the previous government invested more than $150 million in these projects, including a substantial portion of $60 million, funded directly from the state budget and the remainder by the US Agency for International Development.

Criticism and Future Outlook

The Taliban’s stated reason for the ban has been met with significant criticism. Media advocates and residents have voiced concerns that the order is a further step toward restricting Afghans’ access to information and isolating the country from the outside world.

They argue that while the Taliban cites moral reasons, the real impact is a clampdown on communication and information flow.

The lack of official commentary on the ban’s permanence has left businesses and residents in a state of uncertainty, unsure when, or if, they will regain access to reliable internet.