The Taliban has imposed a new restriction in Afghanistan, banning wireless internet access in multiple provinces. The move has left thousands of schoolchildren and university students unable to continue their online education. The ban is being seen as another blow to Afghan girls, who were already denied access to physical classrooms.

Speaking to Afghanistan International, a student expressed frustration, saying:
“With the internet shutdown, the Taliban have also closed the last door to education for girls. Online schools were our only option, and now even that has been taken away.”

Educators echo this concern. Hazrat Vahrez, who runs a school in Afghanistan, wrote on Facebook that dozens of students and teachers from at least three provinces, including Kandahar, were unable to attend their online classes today due to the disruption.

So far, fiber optic and Wi-Fi internet services have been cut in Kandahar, Uruzgan, Helmand, Nimroz, and Balkh, with reports suggesting that the restrictions may soon spread to other provinces. The Taliban’s move comes on top of its long-standing ban on schooling for girls above grade six.

According to the UN, nearly 3 million Afghan girls have already been excluded from formal education. Many of them had turned to online classes as their last lifeline.

Noria Nejat, former spokeswoman for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education, warned that the ban will have devastating effects. Writing on Facebook, she said:
“The internet is the last means Afghan girls have to continue their studies. Shutting it down will affect those who are already deprived of schools the most.”

Authorities in Kunduz defended the decision, stating:
“Based on the orders of Amir al-Mu’min Sheikh Sahib, the internet has been completely shut down in Kunduz, Baghlan, Takhar, and Badakhshan. This step has been taken to prevent immorality. Alternative means will be provided for essential services within the country.”

However, critics argue that the move is part of a broader crackdown on education and freedom of expression, further isolating Afghan youth from the outside world.