In a recent decree, the Taliban leader has banned fiber optic internet in an Afghan province, citing concerns over ‘immorality,’ according to a spokesperson for the administration on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
This marks the first such restriction since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021. The ban has left government offices, private businesses, public institutions, and homes across northern Balkh province without Wi-Fi internet access. While fiber optic internet is halted, mobile internet services are reportedly still operational.
Haji Attaullah Zaid, a provincial government spokesperson, confirmed that cable internet access in Balkh has been completely shut down following a direct order from leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Zaid stated that the measure was implemented to ‘prevent immorality’ and that a domestic alternative would be developed for essential services. He did not provide further details regarding why Balkh was specifically targeted for this ban, nor did he indicate if similar shutdowns would be extended to other provinces.
Afghan authorities have previously suspended mobile phone networks for security reasons, typically during religious festivals, to mitigate the risk of explosive device detonations.