Kabul, Oct 2(HS): Afghans poured into the streets in rare celebration after the Taliban abruptly restored internet and mobile services on Wednesday, ending a 48-hour digital blackout that had severed the country’s vital communications with the outside world.

The shutdown, imposed without explanation, had paralyzed businesses, disrupted flights, blocked money transfers, and silenced millions who depend on online access for education, work, and contact with family abroad.

The blackout also sparked condemnation from the United Nations, which warned it risked worsening Afghanistan’s fragile economy and humanitarian crisis.Residents described jubilant scenes in Kabul as people rushed to make calls and connect online.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen confirmed that “all communications” were restored by order of the group’s leadership. Local sources said the prime minister himself had directed the resumption of service, though authorities offered no reasons for the shutdown.

A Taliban governor last month had defended restrictions by citing “the prevention of vices.”For Afghan women, the internet remains one of the last lifelines after sweeping curbs on rights. Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban banned girls over 12 from school, restricted jobs for women, and even removed books written by women from universities.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar