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 said network data showed 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 the streets in the capital city Kabul to spread the word that the internet was back.
One man told BBC Afghan: “Everyone is happy, holding their cell phones and talking to their relatives.
“From women, to men and Talibs [a member of the Taliban], each was talking on phones after services were restored. There are more crowds now in the city.”
Suhail Shaheen, a senior Taliban spokesman in Qatar, said “all communications” were restored by Wednesday afternoon.
The Taliban government has not given an official explanation for the shutdown.
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