UN urges Taliban government to restore internet in Afghanistan
UN mission says nationwide blackout disrupts aid, threatens economy, and deepens humanitarian crisis
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — The United Nations has urged the Taliban authorities to restore internet and telecommunications services across Afghanistan, warning that the shutdown is isolating the country and worsening its overlapping crises.
In a statement on Tuesday, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called the disruption a “severe risk” to the population. It said the blackout blocks access to basic services, silences communication, and undermines fragile stability at a moment when Afghans face both humanitarian disasters and forced returns from abroad.
UNAMA emphasized that connectivity is not a privilege but a necessity. It said the blackout has paralyzed banking and remittance channels, hampered aviation and emergency response operations, and further restricted women and girls from accessing education and healthcare. Millions of Afghan families depend on digital transfers from relatives abroad, which have become harder to access under the shutdown.
The timing of the disruption is particularly critical. Afghanistan is still reeling from deadly earthquakes in its eastern provinces, where women and children account for many of the victims. The country is also under strain as thousands of migrants are deported from neighboring states, putting additional pressure on already vulnerable communities.
Aid organizations warn that without internet access, relief efforts become harder to coordinate and monitor. UN officials said digital access is essential for distributing aid, providing vital information, and ensuring communication between families and institutions.
UNAMA underscored that restoring Afghanistan’s connection to the world is crucial to prevent further suffering. It urged the Taliban to act immediately, stressing that digital isolation risks pushing the country deeper into instability while cutting Afghans off from humanitarian lifelines and international engagement.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
