Afghanistan Peace CampaignZabihullah Mujahid added that he himself did not have internet access during the past 48 hours.
The resumption of telecommunications and internet services in Afghanistan has been met with a global welcome.
The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, in a press briefing, welcomed the restoration of internet services in Afghanistan, stating that the disruption had caused challenges, including interference in the operations of UN agencies designated by the Security Council.
According to Stéphane Dujarric, the suspension and subsequent resumption of internet services were carried out by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan without any stated reason.
He added: “The cut had also disrupted our own work ranging from Security Council mandated work of the UN mission in Kabul to the vital and life saving humanitarian assistance and basic human deeds work of the multiple UN agencies, funds and programs who are all operating in Afghanistan as well as their own international and local partners.”
Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Special Representative for Afghan Peace, who previously described the internet shutdown as a cause of crises in communication, banking, and financial sectors, expressed satisfaction over the restoration of internet services.
Khalilzad said: “I am not sure that the leadership understood the consequences of its decision before taking it. But it now should be clear that it has produced a crisis: 1. Huge disruption of communication among people both inside and outside the country and between and among businesses and institutions. 2. increased financial problems: The banking system already faced obstacles because of sanctions. It is worse with no internet. People dependent on remittances sent by their relatives abroad will face significant delays.”
Residents of Kabul also emphasized the importance of internet and telecommunications services, urging the Islamic Emirate to improve the quality of these services.
Although the Islamic Emirate has not yet officially explained the reason behind the internet disruption, the group’s spokesperson denied earlier reports attributed to him in the media.
Zabihullah Mujahid added that he himself did not have internet access during the past 48 hours.
He said: “The Associated Press’s claim about the reason for the internet shutdown is false and fabricated and wrongly attributed to me. I hope the media acts responsibly and professionally. If we have a message to announce, we will issue it through our own offices, not through foreign channels.”
This comes after internet and telecommunications services were disrupted across the country on Monday evening for nearly 48 hours, causing widespread difficulties in various aspects of daily life for citizens.