The internet and vital communication services have been reinstated across Afghanistan, following a widespread shutdown imposed by the Taliban government. This restoration has been met with widespread jubilation, with many Afghans taking to the streets to celebrate the return of connectivity. Local reports indicate that services resumed on Wednesday afternoon, a development confirmed by sources close to the government and international monitors. The 48-hour blackout had significantly impacted daily life, disrupting businesses, cancelling flights, and hindering access to emergency services. It also raised concerns about further isolating women and girls, whose access to information and education has been severely restricted since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The Taliban government has yet to provide an official reason for the shutdown, though similar restrictions were reportedly imposed in the northern Balkh province last month ‘for the prevention of vices’. The UN had previously warned that the blackout risked inflicting significant harm on the Afghan people, potentially threatening economic stability and worsening the humanitarian crisis. However, with services now back online, the mood has lifted, with citizens expressing immense relief and happiness. Many shared emotional accounts of being able to contact family and friends after days of silence, highlighting the internet’s crucial role as a lifeline in the country.
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