The UN mission appeals to the Taliban to restore internet access in Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD — The United Nations mission in Afghanistan urged the Taliban on Tuesday to restore internet and telecommunications access across the country, saying the blackout imposed by the government in Kabul has left the nation almost entirely cut off from the outside world.
The outage, reported the previous day, was the first nationwide shutdown since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021 and was part of their professed crackdown on immorality. Earlier this month, several provinces lost their fiber-optic connections after Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree banning the service to prevent immorality.
The disruption threatened economic stability and deepened one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, said the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
It warned that the blackout is crippling banking and financial systems, isolating women and girls, limiting access to medical care and remittances, and disrupting aviation.
The U.N. said such restrictions further undermine freedom of expression and the right to information. It noted that telecommunications are also crucial during disasters — Afghanistan has recently suffered major earthquakes in the east and is struggling with mass forced returns from neighboring countries.
The U.N. mission said the internet outage spread since it was first imposed by the Taliban on Sept. 16 and became nationwide on Sept. 29. The mission said it would continue to press Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to restore access “in support of the Afghan people.”
New books this week: War, murder, and Lionel Richie
This week's notable book releases promise a veritable potpourri of death — and a celebration of life from one of America's most ubiquitous singers.
‘Like ice melting’: Journalists warn press freedom is in decline across Asia
China's jailing of citizen journalist Zhang Zhan highlights a deeper press freedom crisis across Asia.
Scientists create human eggs in the lab, using skin cells
Scientists created the eggs using DNA from adult skin cells, a step that could someday potentially lead to new ways to treat infertility and enable gay couples to have genetically related children.
Second detainee dies after shooting at Dallas ICE facility
Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez, 32, had been on life support after what authorities called a targeted act of violence toward federal immigration agents. He leaves behind four kids and his wife, pregnant with their fifth.
Energy Dept. tells employees not to use words including ‘climate change’ and ‘green’
The banned words list applies to all work done at the largest federal funder of clean energy technology.
Birmingham’s Bengali community breaks barriers with annual Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a Bengali celebration during the 9-day long Hindu festival of Navratri, which celebrates divine feminine energy in all forms. Across India, celebrations vary in scale, focus and tradition.
