Afghans have taken to the streets to rejoice in the restoration of internet and telecom services after the Taliban government shut them down, provoking widespread condemnation.
Local reporters said communications were resuming, while internet monitor Netblocks reported a 'partial restoration' of connectivity.
A source close to the government confirmed to BBC Afghan that the internet was back by order of the Taliban prime minister.
The 48-hour blackout disrupted businesses and flights, limited access to emergency services, and raised fears about further isolating women and girls whose rights have been severely eroded since the hardline Islamist group swept back to power in 2021.
On Wednesday evening, hundreds of Afghans took to the streets in Kabul to celebrate the restoration of services. One man expressed the happiness shared among people, stating: 'Everyone is happy, holding their cell phones and talking to their relatives.'
Suhail Shaheen, a senior Taliban spokesman, announced that 'all communications' were restored by Wednesday afternoon.
However, the Taliban has not provided an official explanation for the shutdown. Last month, a spokesperson for the Taliban governor in the northern province of Balkh mentioned that internet access was being blocked 'for the prevention of vices'.
Since their return to power, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions according to their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Afghan women have since emphasized that the internet was a lifeline to the outside world, especially after girls over the age of 12 were banned from receiving an education.
The UN had warned that the blackout risked inflicting significant harm on the Afghan people, threatening economic stability and exacerbating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
During the blackout, life in Kabul was notably quieter, with banks and markets closed, leading shopkeepers to describe it as 'the gradual death' of hope and opportunity.
On Wednesday, the atmosphere drastically changed with the service restoration, as people laughed, communicated, and shared happiness, marking a momentary shift from despair to celebration.
As one delivery driver summarized, 'It's like Eid al-Adha; it's like preparing to go for prayer. We are very happy from the bottom of our hearts.'
The desperate need to connect with loved ones was further highlighted by Afghan women outside the country, who expressed their relief at being able to reach family members stranded in Afghanistan.
