Internet services and mobile networks were restored in Kabul and other provinces across Afghanistan on Wednesday, local media reported, after a 48-hour telecoms shutdown.
Residents and media outlets confirmed the systems were operating again after a blackout that disrupted the country's banking, commerce and aviation sectors.
The ruling Taliban government rejected reports of a nationwide internet ban, blaming the blackout on the country's worn-out fibre-optic cables. The announcement was the Taliban's first public statement on the shutdown.
“There is nothing like the rumours being spread that we have imposed a ban on the internet," Taliban officials said on X.
The statement cited Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who said nationwide disruptions were the result of “decaying fibre-optic infrastructure”.
On Monday night, mobile phone signal and internet services gradually weakened until connectivity was less than 1 per cent of ordinary levels, internet watchdog NetBlocks reported. On Tuesday, Afghanistan faced a second day without connection.
It was the first communications shutdown since the Taliban took power in an insurgency in 2021 and imposed their strict interpretation of Sharia.
Attaullah Zaid, a spokesman for the Afghan province of Balkh, said on September 16 that a telecoms ban would be imposed on the orders of the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. "This measure was taken to prevent vice and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs," he wrote on social media.
Several provinces last month confirmed an internet shutdown after a decree from the Taliban leader to combat immorality.
A government official who asked not to be identified told AFP this week that "8,000 to 9,000 telecommunications pillars" would be shut down and a blackout would last "until further notice".
The Taliban's supreme leader reportedly ignored warnings from some officials last month about the economic fallout and ordered authorities to press ahead with the nationwide ban.
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Not Dark Yet
Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer
Four stars
AGUERO'S PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD
Apps: 186
Goals: 127
Assists: 31
Wins: 117
Losses: 33
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
Sri Lanka squad
Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milinda Siriwardana, Roshen Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Charith Asalanka, Shaminda Eranga and Dhammika Prasad.
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How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
