Happiness in Afghanistan's capital as Online Connectivity Return After Lengthy Shutdown

Shortly before evening on midweek, the near-deserted streets of Afghanistan's capital quickly crowded with residents – cellphones everywhere had reconnected.

With phones pressed to their ears, Afghans flooded the streets of Kabul to confirm network restoration.

"Cheers, the internet is back!" a store owner exclaimed, as vehicle operators sounded horns in reply.

Youngsters were given balloons, parents bought sweets and friends gathered in eateries – all while talking excitedly on their phones.

Network Failure

For nearly three days, the population had been without internet, isolated from telecommunications, in a internet blackout imposed by the government without notice.

"It felt like we had gone back centuries. We were thinking of sending letters just to get news from our relatives," said Mohammad Rafi, a shop owner.

"The streets were empty – it felt like a holiday even though it was a workday. But now, even in the evening hours, it's crowded again."

Economic Impact

A courier, a professional, had sat inactive for two days, unable to reach clients through the digital platforms he works for.

Now, multiple delivery vehicles are lined up to pick up deliveries from restaurants illuminated by lights or from juice vendors emitting sounds.

"The atmosphere is celebratory; it's like preparing to go for prayer," he stated.

Public Transformations

Noticeable on the streets was an growth in the number of ladies, who have faced extensive regulations under the ruling authorities, including a restriction on learning beyond primary school.

"I feel incredibly thankful. I can breathe freely now," said one young woman who is taking digital classes.

"Online classes are the sole opportunity left for young women."

Global Response

The United Nations said the internet blackout risked financial security and intensified one of the world's most severe human emergencies.

The government is remains silent on the shutdown.

Previous Situation

The outage came following the authorities said it would begin limiting broadband access in some areas to prevent "immorality".

The online access was still a fairly new innovation during the past administration between the late 1990s, when the country was too damaged by fighting and poor to build networks.

Contemporary Reliance

But in recent decades, the economy has become more reliant on online services. Even in rural areas, many residents use smartphones to conduct business.