ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct 1, 2025 (AP) – 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.

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Last month, several provinces confirmed an Internet shutdown because of a decree from the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to combat immorality.

“There is nothing like the rumors being spread that we have imposed a ban on the Internet,” Taliban officials said in a three-line statement in a chat group with Pakistani journalists.