The Taliban’s recent denial of shutting down its tech sector is laughably unconvincing. After residents were plunged into a 48-hour blackout of cellphone and internet services, the ruling regime’s claims about “decaying fiber-optic infrastructure” rang hollow. This is not just a technical issue—it’s a calculated move shrouded in lies and deception.

On Wednesday afternoon, major foreign-owned providers like Roshan and Etisalat restored services, but not before causing significant disruptions. Flights were canceled and banking operations halted. The Taliban’s excuse was purely a cover for their repressive agenda, as they explicitly stated their measures were implemented to “prevent immorality.” Their actions speak volumes about their authoritarian nature.

A recent internet blackout exposed Afghanistan to another level of cultural control, where freedom of information is sacrificed on the altar of Taliban morality. Residents were left in the dark, and when questioned about it, the Taliban resorted to blaming the infrastructure. This is a classic diversion tactic by regimes that fear the truth.

Just weeks ago, reports emerged highlighting the Taliban’s outright ban on fiber-optic internet in the Balkh province. A move justified by the regime to eliminate “immorality” left government services and educational institutions without internet access. Government spokesman Haji Attaullah Zaid boldly stated that an alternative would be developed for locals, but this is nothing more than empty promise.

During these shutdowns, Afghan women faced yet another hurdle, stripped of their access to online learning platforms—an essential lifeline since they are prohibited from receiving formal education beyond the age of 12. The Taliban’s backward policies don’t just hinder technological progress; they actively strip rights and freedom in the name of a twisted ideology.

A recent purge of books authored by women from educational institutions is part of the Taliban’s broader campaign against human rights and free thought. Approximately 140 titles were deemed “anti-Sharia,” reflecting a regime that thrives on oppression and censorship.

Let’s be clear: The Taliban thrives on controlling information and quashing dissent, using morality as a façade for tyranny. As we stand on the brink of greater global engagement, it’s paramount to expose such regimes and their insidious practices. It’s time for a clear and united stance against this destructively authoritarian regime.