ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Taliban government on Wednesday rejected reports of a nationwide Internet ban in Afghanistan, saying old fiber optic cables are worn out and are being replaced. The announcement was the Taliban’s first public statement on a communications blackout that has disrupted banking, commerce and aviation. Last month, several provinces confirmed an Internet shutdown because of a decree from the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to combat immorality.

Telecoms disrupted nationwide after authorities cut fibre optic connections in several provinces to prevent ‘vice’

An internet advocacy group says connectivity in Afghanistan has “collapsed” with a near-total nationwide telecoms disruption in effect.