Travelers At Torkham Border Decry Internet Shutdown In Afghanistan

Travelers arriving at the Torkham border from Afghanistan have expressed deep concern and frustration over the ongoing internet shutdown in the country, describing it as a source of immense hardship.

They said that ever since their departure from Kabul, the journey became extremely difficult as they were unable to stay in contact with their families or communicate with anyone else.

According to them, the internet was the only reliable medium through which people remained connected with their relatives, friends, and business partners, but its suspension has pushed the Afghan population into despair and psychological stress.

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The travelers pointed out that after the Taliban takeover, restrictions on women's education had already been imposed, and now the internet blackout has deprived students, especially women, of attending online classes.

The business community has also been hit hard. Money exchangers and other business people who rely on daily updates of the dollar, euro, and other currency exchange rates through the internet have seen their operations come to a complete halt. As a result, thousands of people have lost their jobs, further worsening Afghanistan's already fragile economic situation.

Similarly, Afghan citizens living abroad, who used to stay in touch with their families via the internet, are now unable to communicate, leaving them in severe mental distress and anxiety.

The travelers remarked that while the rest of the world is advancing rapidly, Afghanistan appears to be moving backward. The shutdown has made people feel as though they have been dragged back into the Stone Age, where education, business, and social ties are all being severely disrupted.

They urged the international community and Afghan authorities to immediately restore internet services in the country so that ordinary citizens can resume their daily lives, students can continue their education, and businesses can recover, helping the nation get back on the path of development.

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