Overview
- The nationwide cut to mobile and internet services began around September 29 and lasted roughly two days, with connectivity gradually returning by Wednesday evening.
- Banking systems stalled as ATMs, card payments and transfers failed, cash became the only option, and domestic and international flights were grounded with airport displays blank.
- Hospitals reported reduced emergencies and disrupted maternity care, and online consultations and payments faltered, while an estimated 2 million women and girls lost access to digital classes.
- The blackout followed weeks of provincial fiber restrictions reportedly ordered by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to curb what authorities called vice.
- The information vacuum fueled confusion and false rumors, including talk of a U.S. move on Bagram and a purge of Sirajuddin Haqqani, as observers debated whether the shutdown signaled control tactics or regime weakness.