Fiber Optic Internet Restricted in Afghanistan, Mobile Service Still Active

Fiber optic communications in Afghanistan have been restricted, but mobile internet remains operational, Orda.kz reports, citing AP.

Afghan authorities have restricted access in several regions as part of efforts to combat “immorality.” The Taliban-ordered shutdown of fiber-optic internet has already affected northern provinces, including Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar, paralyzing passport services and customs operations.

Local experts, including journalist Bilal Sarwary, noted that a final decision on a full internet ban has not been made. In some cities, such as Mazar-i-Sharif, disputes have arisen between governors and communications ministers, while in Kabul, concerns about the severity of restrictions persist.

The Taliban had earlier declared chess haram and banned it. The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice dissolved the Afghan Chess Federation. Since the Taliban came to power, no tournaments have been held.

Chess is described as contrary to religious norms and considered a form of gambling. Local players appealed to the Department of Sports to resume competitions, but were told the federation no longer had the right to operate.

The Taliban also demanded that the heads of table football figures be removed, warning that otherwise the game would be banned entirely. Authorities argued that the miniature figures resembled idols and violated Islamic norms. This formed part of a broader campaign: in 2022, shop mannequins were ordered to be decapitated.

After a major earthquake in Afghanistan, the Taliban refused to assist women trapped under rubble unless they were relatives. Under new regulations, physical contact between men and women outside family ties was prohibited.

Rescuers could only extract victims if direct contact was avoided. Hundreds of women died as a result.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov