The internet shutdown has lasted for three days and is impacting banking operations, business, humanitarian work, and travel across the country.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has denied reports of a nationwide internet ban, stating that the disruptions were caused by the replacement of old fiber optic cables.
This is the first statement from the Taliban regarding the communication blackout, which has disrupted banking, trade, and aviation, leaving the country almost completely cut off from the outside world since Monday.
Several provinces confirmed the internet shutdown last month following a decree from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to combat immorality.
The first report of a nationwide shutdown was made on Monday by the digital rights group Netblocks. It stated that internet connectivity was disrupted across the country, including in the capital Kabul, and that phone services were also unavailable.
"There is nothing true about the rumors that we have imposed an internet ban," the Taliban representatives said in a brief statement to Pakistani journalists.
The main Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that the nationwide network disruptions were caused by "the destruction of fiber optic infrastructure," which is currently being replaced. However, he did not specify whether services would be restored and when. Euronews was unable to independently verify the statement.
On Tuesday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan urged the Taliban to restore access to the internet and telecommunications across the country, warning that this threatens economic stability and could deepen one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
The UN office stated that the blackout is crippling banking and financial systems, isolating women and girls, limiting access to medical care and remittances, and disrupting air travel.
The statement also noted that telecommunications are critical during natural disasters. Afghanistan recently experienced a strong earthquake in the eastern part of the country and is struggling with a mass forced return of people from neighboring countries.
Afghan airline Kam Air told local channel TOLO News that it is likely to resume flights to Kabul later on Wednesday after completely halting operations on Monday due to the disruptions.
According to flight tracking service Flightradar24, most flights that were scheduled to arrive at or depart from Kabul airport in recent days have either been canceled or marked as "unknown" status.
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